Grand Finale of Nepal Idol to be held in Doha

Nepal Idol 2017 – a singing reality show from Nepal – has scheduled its grand finale in Qatar. Aired by AP1, the country’s only HD television, Nepal Idol, a part of Idols franchise, finale will be jointly organised by On Action International and Everest Nepal Youth Association at Asian Town Industrial Area Ground on Friday, September 22. This was revealed by the organisers in a recent press meet at the Shalimar Palace restaurant in Najma. The press meet was attended by association chairperson Uttam Gurung, community leader Sagar Nepal, event partner Prabin Gurung, event manager Prakash Gurung and advisor Bill Gurung. Sagar Nepal said the hosting of the event is “a proud moment for Qatar-based Nepalis.” The venue has 16,500 seats and the tickets will be priced between QR35 and QR200. Nepal Idol 2017 is the first installment of a Nepalese reality television singing competition that is part of the Idols franchise created by Simon Fuller. Auditions for the show were held in seven Nepali cities, with contestants aged 16 to 30 participating. The winner of the singing contest will get Mahindra KUV 100 car, Nepali Rs2 million and a record deal valued at Nepali Rs1.5 million. The programme in Doha will be shot by 17 cameras and drones and will be live telecasted by AP1 TV. An 85-member is coming from Kathmandu for the show, which will see performances by top 12 contestants and India TV dance reality show winner Teria Magar, singer Hemanta Rana and standup comedian Kedar Ghimire.   – Text and photos by Usha Wagle Gautam