Hi Guys! Haven't checked the forum for a while,as I am visiting India. I actually attended the last taping of the show on Jan. 30th. It was hot, and uncomfortable and long drawn out. We left after 4 hours and all they had taped was the first 2 songs that all contestants sing together. We met Shaan, Vinit, Hemu, Debu, ID and Paresh and Rajiv. Paresh told us that the tapings take as long as 12 hours. I have no clue how these guys can sing as they do, with all the takes and the re-takes. Paresh chatted for a while with us and told us that the finale is live in the 3rd week of feb. and all the finalists who are voted out are still staying in Bombay and will be participating in some songs. All the contestants wore black shirts and fatigues for the initial songs. HR ofcourse gave Vinit a topi to wear over his headband. Everything is so scripted! Infact, they announced the votes from the North first, and Vineet was leading. Then from the South and SURPRISE ! SURPRISE ! Hemu was leading. Then Shaan asked HR if Debu would get enough votes from the East to make up, and HR said "I am sure he will " This particular line by HR was in the script needed two takes !! The smell of sweating humanity , the bright lights was overpowering. I am impressed that these contestants can be dragged for 11 to 12 hours and still sing on cue. Tabu was the celebrity judge. I did not realise how well-rounded she is ,till I saw her in person.