Upcoming Tamil general entertainment channel Sony Vizha has unveiled Tamil Idol, the first-ever Tamil edition of the globally recognised Idol singing competition format. Music composer A.R. Rahman is leading the search for emerging singing talent from Tamil Nadu, with both online and on-ground auditions opening opportunities for aspiring singers.
The announcement follows the recently revealed collaboration between Sony Vizha and A.R. Rahman. Produced by Fremantle India, Tamil Idol will bring the international reality format to Tamil audiences while focusing on new voices, musical versatility, performance and stage presence.
The show will be available across Sony Vizha and Sony LIV, extending the competition across television and digital platforms.
Tamil Idol – Show Details
| Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Show Name | Tamil Idol |
| Genre | Singing Reality Show |
| Tamil Edition | First Season |
| Featuring | A.R. Rahman |
| TV Channel | Sony Vizha |
| Streaming Platform | Sony LIV |
| Producer | Fremantle India |
| Online Auditions | From 18 August 2026 |
| First-Round Chennai Audition | 23 August 2026 |
| Chennai Audition Time | Sunday, 9:00 AM onwards |
| Age Eligibility for Chennai Audition | 14–30 Years |
A.R. Rahman Leads the Search for New Singing Talent
A.R. Rahman is at the forefront of Tamil Idol’s search for promising voices from Tamil Nadu.
The new reality show is designed to discover and nurture emerging singers while providing contestants with a larger stage to showcase their musical abilities.
Speaking about Tamil Idol, A.R. Rahman highlighted the importance of discovering voices capable of reaching millions and described the show as an opportunity to bring together extraordinary singers from across Tamil Nadu.
He said the journey would help uncover new talent, fresh perspectives and previously untold stories while providing those voices with a platform where they can be celebrated.
Tamil Idol Online Auditions Open on Sony LIV
The Tamil Idol online auditions opened on 18 August 2026, allowing aspiring singers to participate from across Tamil Nadu through the Sony LIV app.
Participants need to access the Tamil Idol Audition section and complete the registration process with the required personal information.
They must then upload three audition videos, with the submissions intended to demonstrate their versatility across different singing genres.
| Online Audition | Details |
|---|---|
| Registration Starts | 18 August 2026 |
| Platform | Sony LIV |
| Audition Section | Tamil Idol Audition |
| Video Requirement | Three Videos |
| Purpose | Showcase versatility across singing genres |
Tamil Idol Chennai Auditions on 23 August
Alongside online registration, the Tamil Idol first-round on-ground auditions will be held in Chennai on Sunday, 23 August 2026, from 9:00 AM onwards.
The Chennai audition is open to participants between 14 and 30 years of age.
Tamil Idol Chennai Audition Venue
| Audition Details | Information |
|---|---|
| Date | Sunday, 23 August 2026 |
| Time | 9:00 AM onwards |
| Venue | Velammal Vidyalaya Annexure |
| Road | Mel Ayanambakkam Main Road |
| Area | Mel Ayanambakkam, Ambattur Industrial Estate |
| City | Chennai |
| PIN Code | 600095 |
| Eligibility | 14–30 Years |
Aspiring singers planning to attend the first-round Chennai audition can therefore report to Velammal Vidyalaya Annexure, Mel Ayanambakkam Main Road, Mel Ayanambakkam, Ambattur Industrial Estate, Chennai – 600095.
Tamil Idol on Sony Vizha and Sony LIV
Tamil Idol is among the major programmes being lined up for Sony Vizha, the upcoming Tamil GEC from Sony Pictures Networks India.
By bringing the established Idol format into Tamil entertainment, the channel is combining a globally recognised reality property with Tamil music, talent and cultural storytelling.
Fremantle India is producing the programme, while Sony LIV will provide the digital platform for auditions and eventually extend the show’s reach beyond television.
Sony Vizha Expands Its Tamil Entertainment Line-up
Tamil Idol adds another major reality property to Sony Vizha’s growing programming slate.
The channel has also announced Celebrity MasterChef Tamil, featuring Samantha Ruth Prabhu, strengthening its line-up with established international reality formats adapted for Tamil audiences.
With Tamil Idol, the focus now turns towards discovering fresh musical talent. The combination of A.R. Rahman, the Idol format, Fremantle India, Sony Vizha and Sony LIV gives aspiring singers an opportunity to showcase their voices on a much larger stage.
The statewide search has begun with online auditions from 18 August, followed by the first-round Chennai auditions on 23 August 2026 at 9:00 AM onwards.
