11th July,2024
Kathmandu- With the aim of transforming TikTok from a platform limited to entertainment into a meaningful space for talent discovery and career building, the digital reality show “Stage for Idol” has officially begun. Organized by The Six Eyes One, the competition seeks to identify and promote singing and dancing talents from Nepali-speaking communities scattered across the world, bringing them together on a single digital stage.
The show was formally announced during a press conference held in Kathmandu on Sunday. According to program director Subila Lama, digital auditions were conducted nationwide and internationally, from which 40 contestants in singing and 20 in dance were selected for the live rounds out of a total of 180 participants. She stated that the format of the show has been designed to ensure inclusivity, allowing talents to participate regardless of geographical boundaries.
Veteran singer Shambhu Rai has been appointed as the chief judge for the singing category, while senior dance director Kamal Rai will serve as the judge for the dance category. The organizers claim that Stage for Idol aims to set a new benchmark among TikTok-based competitions by prioritizing quality, credibility, and professional evaluation.
One of the key highlights of the competition is the absence of a voting system. The organizers explained that voting-based competitions often favor contestants with financial resources or popularity, which can overshadow genuine talent. To avoid this, winners will be selected solely based on judges’ evaluations, ensuring fairness and transparency.
Winners in both singing and dance categories will receive cash prizes of NPR 100,000 for first place, NPR 50,000 for second place, and NPR 30,000 for third place, along with honors. The top singing winner will get the opportunity to record a song, while the dance winner will debut in the music video of the same song. Both winners will also receive modeling opportunities, making the show a potential career-launching platform rather than just a competition.
Speaking at the press conference, judge Shambhu Rai emphasized that Stage for Idol delivers a strong message that TikTok can be utilized as a powerful medium for nurturing creativity and real talent. Dance judge Kamal Rai added that the ability to evaluate and showcase talent digitally—without physical presence—was a key reason he agreed to be part of the show.
The directing team includes Subila Lama, Bandana G. Momin, Manoj Gurung, Ram Kailash Thapa, Nima Tamang, DB Tamang, and Dol Bahadur Thapa. The organizing team, actively involved in social service across various countries, has been praised for creating an exemplary platform that connects global Nepali talent.
Stage for Idol will be broadcast live through its official Facebook page, TikTok, and YouTube channel. Announcing plans for Stage for Idol Season 2, director Subila Lama has called on hidden and emerging talents—especially those above the age of 18—to participate in the upcoming edition.
The show is backed by The Signing Star as the title sponsor, with support from Soltini Group (Nanu, Ranu, and Sanu), Mangal Tamang, Gorkha Brothers, Sarita Gurung, Nabin Thapa, Tank Gurung, Anu Bantawa Rai, Neha Gurung, Bimala Hair & Salon (UK), along with two hidden sponsors. Financial support for the program has been provided by Surja Thapa of the Christian Ticket Live Talent Show.
The TikTok-live show will feature moderators including Dolma Tamang (Amlod), Beauty of Nepal, Sur Sangeet, Winita, Bidesh, and Juni Juni, according to the organizers.
