Sony to do away with Indian Idol and bring in X-Factor?

If you are thinking Sony will bring in the sixth season of Indian Idol next year, then a surprise could be waiting for you. According to sources, the channel, currently soaking in the appreciation for Kaun Banega Crorepati 4, is all set to bring in a new reality format with X- Factor. If sources are to be believed then the channel and the production house, Fremantle are working on the concept of this show and will make an official announcement soon. A source says, “It was the channel’s strategy to experiment with their programming and bring a new format to Indian viewers instead of Indian Idol, which is a known format and has been done with five successful seasons here. So they were not keen to do the sixth season and were looking for a new format. We had few options with us but X-Factor is an internationally well known show, the channel and the production house thought it to be suitable for the Indian audience too. Our team has started working on the detailing of the show, though we have not approached any celebrities to judge or host it. If things fall into place then by early next year (March) the show will go on the floors.” Ajay Bhalwankar, programming head of Sony says, “I can’t talk about it at this moment.” X-Factor which has been aired in more than 25 countries provides a platform to aspiring pop singers. According to this format, apart from singing contestants need to have star qualities to win it. Simon Cowell owns the format.