Oct
Prime Feature
Benny Dayal Joins A.R. Rahman, Andrea Jeremiah And Karthik As Judge On Tamil Idol
Mumbai, 23rd October 2026: Benny Dayal is stepping into a new role as a judge on Tamil Idol, joining music maestro A.R. Rahman, actor-singer Andrea Jeremiah and playback singer Karthik. Marking the first Tamil edition of the global Idol franchise, the singing reality show aims to discover and nurture the next generation of musical talent from Tamil Nadu, with A.R. Rahman serving as the super judge.
Known for his versatility across playback singing, independent music and live performances, Benny brings a wide-ranging musical perspective to the judging panel. His experience across genres and languages is expected to inform his assessment of contestants’ vocal technique, stage presence, musical interpretation and individuality. The show offers aspiring singers a platform to showcase their abilities and take their first steps towards professional music careers.
Watch the launch video here:
Speaking about joining the show, Benny Dayal said, “I’ve never liked being boxed into one style of music. From playback singing to performing with Funktuation, I’ve always enjoyed experimenting, unlearning and discovering something new. For me, a singer’s individuality is just as important as their technique, and that’s what I’ll be looking for on Tamil Idol. I’m excited to hear how these young singers interpret music in their own way, take risks and bring their personalities into their performances. I also believe there’s always something to learn from another musician, so I’m looking forward to this journey, especially alongside A.R. Rahman Sir, whose music has been such an important part of my own journey.”
Produced by Fremantle India, Tamil Idol will be hosted by Vikkals Vikram and Pooja Venkat. The grand launch is scheduled for this Saturday and Sunday on Sony VIZHA, with episodes also available to stream on SonyLIV. Bringing together established musicians with distinct creative journeys, the show aims to spotlight Tamil Nadu’s diverse singing talent and give emerging artists an opportunity to make their mark in the music industry.
