Indian Idol, which took inspiration from American Idol, has been a significant stage for displaying the talent of singers across India since its beginning around 2004. Over the years the show has brought many singers to fame as well as changing their lives and careers. The list goes on and includes Abhijeet Sawant up to Vaibhav Gupta, every winner has left a lasting impact on Indian musical scene.
Here’s the list of winners from Seasons 1 through 14 which showcases their progress in their achievements, influence, and successes.
About Indian Idol
Indian Idol is a popular Hindi singing reality show that aired through Sony TV. It is part of the Indian Idol series and is an Indian adaptation of American Idol. From 2004, the show was telecast through Sony Entertainment Television.
The show quickly became a hit when it was initially developed through Miditech Studios and its well-known producers brothers, Niret Alva Nikhil J Alva as well as Nivedith Alva. The first five seasons were created by the Alva siblings and they also played major roles in laying the foundation of the show’s eventually successful. Filming and the production for Indian Idol occur in Mumbai, Maharashtra. It broadcasts via the SonyLIV app on Saturdays and Sundays.
List of Indian Idol Winners from All Seasons
Indian Idol is considered the most popular performing reality television show of India. In the past, the Indian entertainment industry benefitted from the numerous talented performers featured in the competition. Every contestant, including winners, have made their mark in the world of entertainment. While we can recognize certain famous personalities in the show, only a few people are aware of the other contestants and their impressive singing talents which have amazed both the judges as well as the viewers.
Table of Indian Idol Winners (2004-2024)
| Season | Year | Winner | Prize Money | Runners-up |
| 1 | 2004-05 | Abhijeet Sawant | Rs 50 lakh | Amit Sana |
| 2 | 2005-06 | Sandeep Acharya | Rs.1 crore | N. C. Karunya |
| 3 | 2007 | Prashant Tamang | Rs.1 crore | Amit Paul |
| 4 | 2008-09 | Sourabhee Debbarma | Rs.1 crore | Kapil Thapa |
| 5 | 2010 | Sreerama Chandra | Rs 50 lakh | Bhoomi Trivedi, Rakesh Maini |
| 6 | 2012 | Vipul Mehta | Rs 50 lakh | Amit Kumar, Devendra Pal Singh |
| 9 | 2016-17 | LV Revanth | Rs 25 lakh | Khuda Baksh |
| 10 | 2018 | Salman Ali | The amount is Rs25 lakh. | Ankush Bhardwaj |
| 11 | 2019-20 | Sunny Hindustani | Rs25 lakh | Rohit Shyam Raut, Ankona Mukherjee |
| 12 | 2020-21 | Pawandeep Rajan | Rs25 lakh | Arunita Kanjilal, Sayli Kamble |
| 13 | 2022-23 | Rishi Singh | Rs25 lakh | Debosmita Roy |
| 14 | 2023-24 | Vaibhav Gupta | Rs25 lakh | Subhadeep Das |
Journey of Indian Idol Winners
1. Abhijeet Sawant – Season 1 (2004-05)
Abhijeet Sawant, the very first Indian Idol, won over millions of viewers with his charismatic personality and soulful voice. This was the turning point in his career, and from which the standard for the other contestants were established. Abhijeet was awarded an amount of Rs50 lakh, and signed an agreement with T-Series and T-Series, made a name for himself in the field of acting and playback.
2. Sandeep Acharya – Season 2 (2005-06)
Sandeep Acharya, who is from Rajasthan and was crowned the winner of a prize of Rs.1 crore and Maruti Baleno’s car on the show’s second edition of Indian Idol. Even though Sandeep only had a short singing career, his stunning voice and charming personality made him a favorite among many. Sadly, his untimely death in 2013 caused an absence from the music industry. But, his name as a winner from Indian Idol still endures.
3. Prashant Tamang – Season 3 (2007)
Prashant Tamang, a former police officer from Darjeeling was the first participant from the Northeast to win on Indian Idol. The success of his was not just a recognition of his talent as a musician, but also inspired a social-political campaign to support Gorkhaland. The album of Prashant “Dhanyavad” struck a chord with his followers, thanks to the prize of Rs1 million cash prize as well as the Maruti Suzuki SX4.
4 Sourabhee Debbarma – Season 4 (2008-09)
Sourabhee Debbarma became the first girl winner of Indian Idol, making history. Her home is Tripura she was praised for her efforts to challenge gender stereotypes in the field of music. After winning the prize of Rs1 crore, being awarded an TATA Winger and releasing her debut music album “Meherbaan,” Sourabhee continued to encourage female singers throughout the country.
5. Sreerama Chandra – Season 5 (2010)
With his acoustic versatility and impressive performances, Srerama Chandra won viewers’ hearts with his captivating performances in viewers of Season 5 viewers. He was able to achieve success after winning an amount of Rs50 lakh, the TATA Winger, as well as an album deal. Sreerama is renowned for his role-playing in Bollywood with songs such as “Subhaanallah” and “Allah Duhai Hai” that have a profound impact on fans.
6. Vipul Mehta – Season 6 (2012)
Vipul Mehta’s journey from an avid lover of classical music to a victor in Indian Idol Season 6 highlighted his dedication and skill. After winning the sum of Rs50 lakh as well as the Nissan Micra car, a Suzuki Hayate bike, and the sum of Rs3 lakh of Max Life Insurance, Vipul’s success was boosted by his live shows and playback singing. His versatility was shown by his collaborations with other participants on his Album “Fabulous Four.”.
7. LV Revanth – Season 9 (2016-17)
LV Revanth, acknowledged for his heartfelt vocals and his ability to perform in both Telugu and Kannada styles of music, was crowned the winner of Season 9. After winning a prize of Rs25 lakh and Mahindra KUV100, LV Revanth’s career was booming with a number of hit songs in regional film. His performance in “Manohari” from “Baahubali: The Beginning” is beloved by his people who love him.
8. Salman Ali – Season 10 (2018)
The extraordinary voice and impressive performances have made Salman Ali the winner of the Indian Idol Season 10. He was awarded 25 lakhs as well as the Datsun Go vehicle. He was awarded Rs25 lakh as well as an Datsun Go vehicle. Salman had his success in Bollywood by releasing tracks like “Sab Badhiya Hai” and the title track in “Chandragupta Maurya”. Salman’s position in the industry of music was further strengthened by his stint as an instructor for “Superstar Singer”.
9. Sunny Hindustani – Season 11 (2019-20)
Sunny Hindustani’s meteoric rise in the ranks of shining footwear at the Bathinda station in the railway and to being the winner of Indian Idol Season 11 captured the attention of the nation. Sunny’s heartfelt performance led to a contract in partnership with Shankar Ehsaan Loy, along with winning Rs25 lakh as well as the Tata Altroz vehicle. The rise to fame of Sunny is the triumph of talent and determination.
10. Pawandeep Rajan – Season 12 (2020-21)
This year’s 12th Indian Idol winner was Pawandeep Rajan, a gifted performer from Uttarakhand. On the competition, he wowed the hearts of jury and the audience through his authentic talent and skill in playing musical instruments. For his vocal talents and talent, he was awarded an award in the amount of INR 25 lakh as well as the prize of a Maruti Suzuki Swift.
11. Rishi Singh – Season 13 (2022-23)
Rishi Singh, who has a gorgeous voice and assured stage presence, emerged as the winner of the 13th season of Indian Idol. Rishi’s rise to fame in the country that began in Ayodhya and ending with the sum of Rs25 lakh as well as an all-new Brezza car, highlights the show’s ability to nurture talent. Rishi’s potential in the area of playback singing is positive, and contributes to this tradition that has been established by Indian Idol champions.
12. Vaibhav Gupta – Season 14 (2023-24)
Vaibhav Gupta, who hails from Kanpur was the winner in the 14th season of Indian Idol, displaying his ability to sing and his stage presence. After winning a prize of Rs25 lakh and Maruti Suzuki Brezza, Vaibhav hopes to perform for Bollywood stars like Salman Khan and Vicky Kaushal in his dream. The success of the contest demonstrates the long-standing tradition of identifying and promoting exceptional talent.
Conclusion
Indian Idol has been a fantastic platform for the budding artists of the nation. Every season, the show showcases a diverse talent pool that can help create lucrative music careers. From the most groundbreaking victory of Abhijeet Sawant, to the newest winner of Vaibhav Gupta, each of the winners here has made an impression and inspired millions of people to follow their dreams and become music icons.