Comparing contestants of C2005 and C2007

Now that the show is nearing an end, I decided to compare the top 9 contestants of Challenge 2007 and 2005, one on one, in the order they finished:

9. Junaid vs Rajeev: Junaid is the more technically trained singer, but Rajeev had a great voice. Both were somewhat inconsistent, Rajeev more so. It ultimately comes down to looks, and so Junaid is the clear winner.

8. Harpreet vs Twinkle: Harpreet is the better singer, Twinkle the better performer. But Twinkle could really ruin some songs - so Harpreet sweeps this one.

7. Mauli vs Ujjaini: Both had only one memorable performance each in the show. Ujjaini is obviously the better singer (she won EMET). Mauli is from Houston, and hotter than Ujjaini. But try as I might, I can't overlook her screeching, so Ujjaini takes this one (although she too had a tendency to scream at higher notes).

6. Mussarat vs Paresh: Both videsi, but that's the only thing common between them. Mussarat was a single genre specialist, while Paresh was a jack-of-all-trades (but master of none). Mussarat wins because he reminded us of the old SRGM - Paresh reminded us of Indian Idol.

5. Sumedha vs Nihira: Both have very sweet, playback voices, and neither was crowd favorite. But Nihira is far more technically qualified, while Sumedha needs more hard work to get there. To explain it best - Sumedha is to Nihira as Nihira is to Shreya.

4. Poonam vs Himani: Both are dusky, and specialize in off-beat songs in the Sunidhi/Richa Sharma genre. 6 months back, it would have been hard to imagine any of the C2007 girls surpassing Himani. But Poonam's classical base pushes her above Himani. Plus, I can say for sure that Poonam's future will involve more than hosting TV shows.

Final 3

Amanat vs Hemachandra: Both are extremely technically adept, and quite versatile. They hail from respected musical families, and are very consistent. The jaans of the elite music junta. Of course, they have their limitations. Hema probably couldn't sing Mitwa, and Amanat probably couldn't do Nahi Samne. But because of Amanat's better Hindi/Urdu diction, he would edge it. I can't imagine Hema doing playback for Bollywood - but Amanat, yes.

Aneek vs Vinit: Babies of the show. Bundle of talent, immature voices. Both were grabbed by Himesh and turned into something they're not. Both fell in love with Dia, both heard the 3 magic words from Dia, and both allegedly had the hots for a fellow female contestant. Aneek started off right from the top (he had the advantage of winning a show) and has been more consistent. Although he is quite irritating when he declares love for anyone and everyone (Vinit was more subtle in this matter). But Vinit has a huge ego (remember the walkout?) so I'll stick with Aneek here.

Raja vs Debojit: The underdogs of the show. The singers with the most fanatic fans. Genuinely good human beings. Both are on the older side, and have experienced extreme hardships in life, and have borne it all with a smile. Also been harshly put-down by opposing mentors. Too much debate has centered on Raja's technical skills, so not going to get into that. But certain individual performances of Raja have touched me more than anyone else in any show. His fabulous Independence day performance (Maa tujhe salam) managed to upstage even Debojit's great Republic day performance (Ae mere pyare watan). So in this particular match-up, Raja is the Raja.

So contestant to contestant, C2007 takes the cake. Sure, C2005 had Nihira and Hema, but 2 swallows do not make a summer.

P.S. By matching the final 3, I'm not saying they will finish in that order this year. I simply matched them based on their styles and persona.

Loved your comparison and agree 100% with every word of it.. Although, I think we cannot really compare Hemu and Amanat... As in they are a good comparison but its hard to say who is better as they are both technically perfect. That's the hardest comparison amongst all the ones you have included here.

Originally posted by: shadyhtown

Raja vs Debojit: The underdogs of the show. The singers with the most fanatic fans. Genuinely good human beings. Both are on the older side, and have experienced extreme hardships in life, and have borne it all with a smile. Also been harshly put-down by opposing mentors.

It seems both are already married too😉

i absoulety loved ur comparision..though i really hope this year "the underdog and hardship guy" doesn't win..I really hope people make true talent AMANAT WIN 😛

Originally posted by: trishanku3

It seems both are already married too😉

Raja is married? 😲

Originally posted by: shadyhtown

Amanat vs Hemachandra: Both are extremely technically adept, and quite versatile. They hail from respected musical families, and are very consistent. The jaans of the elite music junta. Of course, they have their limitations. Hema probably couldn't sing Mitwa, and Amanat probably couldn't do Nahi Samne. But because of Amanat's better Hindi/Urdu diction, he would edge it. I can't imagine Hema doing playback for Bollywood - but Amanat, yes.

Don't agree with the bolded part at all. Hema could have sung Mitwa and how! Certainly, I can very well imagine Hema singing beautifully for Hindi film actors, what gives you the idea he can't?

"Nahin saamne" sung by Hariharan sounded well on Akhaye Khanna right? So why not Hema, whom you are saying can do "Nahin Saamne" anyway?

no comparision between raja and debojeet...raja hai divine voice when he sings i feel it from heart..never felt anything like that not even close to any of debo performance..look at raja performing at stage choose any song..hum the vo thi..chaiya chaiya..dardedisco...list is long..rest i agree

Kool,
But for final 3 i feel
Hema chandra and amanat are different but both are equally talaented.

Oneek voice needs to get lil mature but vineet had clear voice.

raja and debojit hmmm

Raja voice is heart touching...pure sufiana andaz which makes him superior..

How come Herpreet compared to Twinkle????

Herpreet is definately a better singer and also a better
'insan'. Just because the Mentors never support him he was pushed. Reasons....you all know

Just imagine HERPREET in final THREE. The show would have been much more compitative.

Originally posted by: punjini

Don't agree with the bolded part at all. Hema could have sung Mitwa and how! Certainly, I can very well imagine Hema singing beautifully for Hindi film actors, what gives you the idea he can't?

"Nahin saamne" sung by Hariharan sounded well on Akhaye Khanna right? So why not Hema, whom you are saying can do "Nahin Saamne" anyway?

I'm sure Hema could do Mitwa if he tried, but I don't feel that's his strong point - the sufiana style n all. The only backdraw he has is his accent, which is quite obvious. It doesn't make him a lesser singer, but it does make him disadvantaged when it comes to Bollywood.

I'm sure Hema will get a few opportunities in Bollywood, but what I meant to say was, he cannot break into the mainstream. As far as singing for top actors once in a while, sure why not? In a country where SPB can sing for Salman and Himesh can sing for Akshay Kumar, anything is fair game. But it's the exception rather than the norm.