Pics: Umesh Marpalli
Daijiworld Media Network - Udupi (HB)
Udupi, Oct 22: Scores of young and enthusiastic singers from Udupi, Mangaluru and other districts, on Saturday, October 21, lined up for auditions of Namma Mobile Udupi's ‘Voice of Udupi Season-5' at Lions Bhavan, Brahmagiri Circle here.
The audition was the first of the four rounds in the competition. The other three are studio round, classical round and the grand finale, which will be held in the following couple of months.
The programme was organised by Karavali Sangeetha Kalavidhara Okkoota Dakshina Kannada and Udupi unit.
President of KSKO Jagadeesh Shetty lit the lamp and formally inaugurated the programme. Addressing the gathering he said, "The most awaited event is now open. The KSKO unit has been conducting attractive series of activities, giving a homely environment to all artists. This platform is a wonderful means to expose the youths' talents. Participation is more important than winning a prize. May the platform display excellent talent."
Another guest, yoga therapist Roopa Ballal said, "Children are the asset and future of our nation. Co-curricular activities are as important as studies. This programme provides a good stage to children for showcasing talents."
Pushkal Kumar Thonse said, "Let us encourage emerging singers. The KSKO unit has planned to host a ten-series programme till February 10, 2018, as part of its 10th anniversary."
Sharath Uchila read out the rules and regulations of the contest. Dhanraj, vice president, Bhaskar Basruru, president, Udupi unit, Mallika Shetty, former president, Ivan D'Souza, Indu Ramanand Bhat were present.
Four Rounds
1. Auditions: Held on Saturday, October 21, the auditions welcomed more than a hundred talented singers. Contestants were asked to sing any song of their choice. Versatile singer and Kannada music director from Udupi Yashwanth Acharya and the popular playback singer Shashikiran Chennagiri judged the contest. As many as 20 contestants (10 from the below 15 age group and 10 from above 15) were shortlisted for round two.
2. Studio: In the next round, the studio round which will be held on November 1, the 20 participants will be reduced to 16 (8 from the below 15 age group and 8 from above 15).
3. Classical: In the third round, classical music round which will be held on November 11, out of the 16 participants, 10 contestants ( 5 from the below 15 age group and 5 from above 15) will be shortlisted.
4. Finale: Top 10 singers will get a chance to enter the grand finale that will be held on December 2. Contestants will sing live at the finale. A team of professional international background music players from Bangaluru will provide the background score. Finalists will sing songs chosen by the judges. Internationally acclaimed multilingual lyricist Jayanth Kaykini, Ajay Warrior and Yashwanth will be present as judges for the final round.
The winner of 'Voice of Udupi, season-5' will get a chance to sing in the upcoming Tulu film 'Ekkuru'. The winner of the show will get an attractive 'Voice of Udupi season 5' trophy along with cash prize. Top ten contestants will receive certificates.
Daijiworld 24x7 TV and daijiworld.com are the official media partners of the event.