Bollywood singer, Sonu Nigam a former judge of Indian Idol, believes that ‘always praising’ contestants on a reality show can be counterproductive. His remarks come months after singer and radio host Amit Kumar claimed that when he appeared on Indian Idol 12 as a special judge for an episode, he was asked to praise the contestants regardless of his opinions.
Without naming anyone, the singer stated that if judges do not provide contestants with “honest feedback,” they will not learn. He stated that merely praising them is tantamount to ‘spoiling(ing)’ them.
Speaking to a leading daily, he said, “As a judge, we are here to teach something to the contestants. We should give honest feedback to the participants. Always praising them won’t do any good. Humesha wah wah karoge toh kaise hoga (how will it work, if you always praise them)? We aren’t here to spoil these kids. Even the contestants won’t understand when they have performed well and when they haven’t if we keep praising them.”
Although Sonu added saying, “You can’t make everything perfect. Thoda flaws hai toh bhi chalega (It’s okay even if there are some flaws). These flaws make the show interesting. Some contestants are born talented, some work hard and learn. A few instantly get success while a few of them shine later.”
Previously, Sonu also gave his remarks on Amit Kumar, Indian Idol 12 controversy and defended him. He said in a video, “Seedhe aadmi hai, shareef aadmi hai, kuch bolte nahi hai, he is maintaining a dignified silence. Uska aap log undue advantage le rahe hai (He is a simple and honest man, and undue advantage is being taken of his dignified silence).” He concluded as he asked the Indian Idol team and the media to put an end to the matter.
