The Pakistan Idol phenomenon has hit fever pitch and the genie is slowly easing its way out of the bottle as auditions hit the airwaves. We’re loving the anticipation of promised thrills as the show hits the road making its way through singers bad, good and brilliant. This isn’t just about Idol, it’s about Pakistan…

Ali Zafar’s rousing anthem kicks it all off

Kicking off the proceedings was Ali Zafar’s anthem done via Mobilink. A thumping, rousing rock song guaranteed to give you an adrenalin rush, the biggest pop star in Pakistan who is now spending most of his time across the border making movies and music, eggs on the Pakistan Idol contestants to make their dreams come true. The story Instep Today ran on the video earlier this week got over a thousand shares in 8 hours! Sorry cultural purists and fashionistas, theatre and fashion just don’t get those kind of numbers. All in all, Ali Zafar’s anthem was the perfect kick off to a show that’s as much about mapping Pakistan as it is about putting Pakistan on the map.

Mohib Mirza’s Ryan Seacrest act

Mohib Mirza, who is such a son of the soil, is sure to bring a truly Pakistani flavor to Pakistan Idol. Apart from being genuinely funny, he is a mega-talented actor and is sure to craft his role as Pakistan Idol host with finesse. Let’s not forget, apart from dealing with both contestants (of all types, from simply everywhere) and the judges, Mohib will also be the contestants’ shoulder-to-cry-on as the Pakistan Idol race becomes slimmer and slimmer till the inevitability of one man or woman still standing.

Judges chemistry: What will unravel?

When much ado was created about Bushra Ansari being one of the judges, Geo TV silenced naysayers by making a promo that features her singing eastern semi-classical gorgeously. Bushra has the knack for dealing with all kinds of people, which will come in handy. Ali Azmat shares that with her and his credentials as a rock legend are impeccable; will he spark controversy on the show as he often does in real life? We hope he does, can’t have Pakistan Idol without some sparks flying, can we? While Ali and Bushra are all about fun and are often invited to host shows because of their wit, Hadiqa is the quiet one, she speaks carefully and seems shy almost. Will she come out all guns blazing as a judge and be as forthcoming as Paula Abdul? More importantly, will she be ‘the nice one’? Paula always was… So many conjectures, but let’s wipe it all out, this is Pakistan Idol after all, not American Idol.

Potential Idols bursting from the seams

In restrospect, speaking purely from a show perspective, it’s the Idol auditions that are always the most fun to watch. That’s what we are into now, with the 2nd episode airing  tonight. It’s been amazing to get feelers of excitement around the nation from the Pakistan Idol auditions as people stormed in to get a piece of the action. The behenjee types and the fashionistas, a fair amount of girls and a whole lotta boys and even the more elderly who insisted that they should get a chance. Pakistan Idol auditions will be a fascinating insight into the population of Pakistan before the hardcore competition hits the road. Here’s looking forward to seeing what this nation is made of as it gets into the groove of a show that is so much more than the sum of its parts. Let’s face it, the Idol franchise isn’t a success because of the stars it creates – it’s a success because of the surprises it brings along the way. The journey is the destination and Pakistan is well on its way.