(MENAFN - Times of Oman) After the overwhelming success of Muscat Idol 2006 and Muscat Idol-Little Gems 2007, Muscat Idol 2008-Teen Sensations was officially launched at Al Falaj Hotel yesterday.
The hunt for fresh singing talents had started a few months back with the first round of auditions receiving a huge response from talented teenagers.
Addressing the media at a press conference, Dr Sanjay Dalal, programme director of Talent Hunters, said Muscat Idol was aimed at providing a platform for budding talents in Oman and helping them get the recognition that they truly deserved.
"Out of the 130 participants who came for the first audition, 10 expatriate singers have been shortlisted.
This time there would be three Omani/Arabic singers too and their names would be finalised once the Omani schools reopen," he said.
Muscat Idol is the brainchild of Talent Hunters, a non-profit making organisation that makes steadfast efforts in promoting local talent.
Highlighting the details of the event, Dr Dalal said the main intention of organising such programmes was to promote local talent and also support charitable institutions.
Last year we extended our support to the Association of Early Intervention for Children with Special Needs. This year we wish to make a contribution to Dar Al Atta'a," he added.
Apart from singing sensations, auditions were also held for dance and fashion walk.
The grand finale of Muscat Idol would be held on November 6, 2008, at Qurum City Amphitheatre.
"The programme will be exceptional as it would involve multinational, multicultural and multilinguistic people and also support a charitable cause," said the programme director.
The selected candidates will be trained by music coordinator Manoj Bhatt and his team of musicians and supervised by Akhil and Haider, members of Talent Hunters.
The finalists are Devika Sreekumar, Sanjana Mohandoss, Priya Pai, Athira Babu Sharma, Delita Raj, Shriya Sarkar, Akhilesh Radghakrishnan, Divya Kotian, Anuraag Bhatt and Shriti Sinha.
Noted Bollywood music director duo Dilip Sen and Sameer Sen will be the judges for the finals. The selected dancers will be trained by Divya Tewari and her team and supervised by Dr (Mrs) Sateja Dalal and Archana Malviya.
To add glamour to the show, a Teen Fashion/Style Walk will be showcased with the support of Lulu.
Dr Sanjay Dalal, who will direct the show, also intends to organise a road show and mall show.
Video clips of the event will be telecast on Indian satellite television channels and though the judges will select the winners there will be a popular choice winner, selected on the basis of SMS voting. Entry would be by invitation only.
Maryam Al Zadjali, director of Dar Al Atta'a and Rana, a board member of Dar Al Atta'a, briefed the gathering on the objectives of the organisation that include programmes like family sponsorship, school projects, 'Let's Read' campaign and fund-raising for a mobile library.
Dr J. Retnakumar, resident manager of New India Assurance Company, the main sponsor of the event, said the quality of Muscat Idol had really evolved over the years and appreciated the organisers for unearthing hidden talents.
Summing up his speech, Dr Dalal extended his heartfelt gratitude to Maryam Al Zadjali, Dr J. Retnakumar and Shabeer, general manager, Lulu Oman.
He also expressed his gratitude to other supporters like Oman Air, Lama Advertising, Ruwi Modern Printers, Official Sound & Light-Talentz Centre LLC, Bank Sohar, Raha, Centrepoint, NBO, National Gas Co, Damas, Ramniklal B. Kothary, National Detergent Co., Oman Mobile and Jumbo Electronics.
Other wellwishers are Purshottam Kanji, Sweets of Oman, Dominos Pizzas, OHI Electronic, Lakhoos/ Raymonds and Bahwan Electronics.
