Indian Idol, the hugely popular adaptation of the blockbuster Pop Idol format took the nation by storm in its very first season and followed that with an equally popular second, third and fourth season. While Indian Idol served as the ultimate platform for budding singers from across the nation to realise their dreams, the show went on to become the most entertaining and involving show to hit Indian television.
The fifth season of Indian Idol premiered on April 26, 2010, on Sony Entertainment Television (India). Anu Malik returned as the judge, Salim Merchant and Sunidhi Chauhan were the two new judges this season. The top 17 finals format is used in this season.The fifth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There were 17 semi-finalists instead of 24.
