Sony's X Factor India unveils Top 12 Singing Talents

Kicked off on June 29, the talent hunt show has garnered an average of 2.1 TVR and up to 28% of reach.

June 10, 2011:

On Wednesday, at a power packed event on the magnificent sets of THE X FACTOR, Sony Entertainment Television revealed top 12 singing talents that India will be proud of. "The singers are giving us a tough time to figure out which jewel to pick and polish to make them sparkle," said Shreya, who believes that anyone's voice can be groomed over time, but X factor is something innate.

Hailing from diverse backgrounds and in every age group possible, the final 12 contestants were chosen through a nationwide hunt which began months ago with the charming and versatile singer/anchor Aditya Narayan - the host of the show, travelling the length and breadth of the country in search of complete performers. Divided in three categories, 16 – 25 years, above 25 years and individual groups, candidates were screened for their singing talent, attitude and star quality.

Meet The X Factor finalists - The twelve contestants come from different walks of life, they consist of individual performers and groups. The first category is under-25 category which will be mentored by the dynamic, versatile singer Sonu Nigam. This group has a pool of talent, like Piyush whose X Factor is his unique style which is very contemporary and today's style. Shovon Ganguly whose X Factor is his trained voice and his seriousness towards singing. Seema Jha nicknamed the little Lata, a tomboy by nature with the most melodious voice and a dabbang nature. Sahiti, software engineer with a unique voice, her X Factor lies in her Indianness and a pure and really professional voice.

The second category is the above-25 which will be mentored by the melodious and beautiful Shreya Ghosh. Her success is an inspiration to her group which has Kartar Singh, 63 years old retired Government official from Agra with a mellifluous voice, is always the one with a smile on his face. He is an inspiring figure to all and has a voice that will touch your heart. Geet Sagar a former radio jockey and current event manager, witty and smart, he has the ability to surprise people with a great voice to render high - pitched western songs. His X Factor is his spunky voice. Amit Jadhav, a professional singer who is inspired by MJ and Prabhudeva's dancing, always a surprise every time he comes on stage with an amazing voice quality and a voice oozing romance. An all out performer, for the first time, India will see a complete rock star like him. He will be an audio-visual delight packed in one. And last but not the least, Manjeera Gangully an aspiring playback singer, most dedicated contestant with a brilliant understanding of music. Music is her passion.

The third category comprises of groups and preparing them for the ultimate challenge is Sanjay Leela Bhansali. He will be mentoring 4 unique groups, a category which has never been presented on Indian Television till date. So get ready to watch DEEWANA a local group from Ratlam with scores of successful shows on their back. NIRMITEE, a group of four students from Mumbai University with their own brand of music and very individualistic style. SAJDA from Valsad, a trio of two sisters and a niece with no formal training in music, but brilliant renditions which will have you captivated. This is the only group who have got standing ovation from the judges for every performance.  And lastly, LAST MINUTE, a group of vibrant young 16 year olds from the Pratt Memorial choir troupe from Kolkata.

Announcing the top 12 finalists, Sneha Rajani, Senior EVP and Business Head Sony Entertainment Television said, “The X Factor which launched on Sony Entertainment Television on the June 29^th has opened with a houseful across markets with an average of 2.1 TVR and 28% of people have watched the show. As customary, the ratings for a singing show always pick up with the GALA performances and we are looking forward to the galas which start from the 10^th of June with the top 12 finalists giving powerhouse performances.”

Speaking on the occasion, Ajay Bhalwankar, Programming Head, SET said, “The X Factor is more than just a television show. It is by far India's biggest platform for emerging talent and I'm delighted to present to you the stars of the future.  These outstandingly talented 12 will keep you on the edge of your seat for weeks to come; they represent the best of the class across different categories, guaranteed to catch your imagination like never before. On behalf of Sony I wish all the contestants a great musical journey and may the best talent win.”

Get ready to witness the birth of the next mega star in the most lavishly mounted show and spectacular sets as the top 12 contestants embark upon a musical journey to display their X Factor and win the title of being first winner of The X Factor India. Produced by Freemantle India, X Factor is the new benchmark of all the singing shows on Indian television.

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