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Indian Idol is popular not just in India but in many parts of the world among NRIs. In the first two episodes, NRIs were mainly passive viewers. However, this time the scenario has changed. Auditions were held in the UK and Dubai and a number of NRI contestants from these two places have been selected to try their luck in Indian Idol 2007. They are not doing bad so far.

India Times wrote:

The judges were impressed not just by their singing, but by their bindaas (cool) attitude. “They were so bindaas and sang without any fear or anxiousness,” says Udit Narayan who was in Dubai for the auditions along with lyricist and fellow judge Javed Akhtar.

The confidence and enthusiasm of these contestants has been partly due to the opportunity to sing at a big platform and partly at meeting their favourite celebs. “While going for the auditions I was so excited, as I was meeting these legends from the Indian music industry for the first time and that too so close and in person,” shares Rashmi, adding that Javed ji was quite impressed by her voice and has recommended that she take up singing seriously in the future.

There are surely many talents among NRIs living outside of India. At the same time, it is  a very big and lucrative market. It is a good sign that the organizers of Indian Idol are taking the show to the doorsteps of the NRIs. I would love to see auditions of Indian Idol 4 being held in US, Singapore, South Africa and Canada in addition to Dubai and London.