List of Contenders’

Singing-based talent hunt show Indian Idol announced its exceptional “Top 17” singing sensations,one among whom will emerge as ‘Desh Ki Awaaz’ for its Season 5. The contenders will each stand the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a playback singer in a forthcoming movie of Yash Raj Films,said a Press release issued by Sony Entertainment Television.

The top 17 shortlisted contestants are Meghna Kumar,Asit Kumar Tripathi,Vishwas Rai,Lakshay Nijhawan,Rakesh Maini,Kanika Joshi,Yashraj Kapil,Shreeramchandra,Arvind Gujral,Bhumi Trivedi,Naushad Ali Kawa,Swaroop Khan,Manisha Karmakar,Tia Kar,Shivam Pathak,Sashi Suman and Arpita Khan.

The auditions have been on air over the past weeks in which judges composers Anu Malik and Sulaiman and playback singer Sunidhi Chauhan have been screening the candidates who came up for audition. Viewers can now tune in to meet the Top 17 singers on Indian Idol 5 at 9 PM Monday -Thursday only on Sony Entertainment Television.