Was rejected in 2019: Indian Idol 16 winner Jyotirmayee on full-circle moment
From being rejected at the Indian Idol auditions in 2019 to winning Season 16, Jyotirmayee Nayak's journey has come full circle. In an exclusive interview with India Today, she reflected on the challenges, risks and resilience that led to her victory.
On Sunday, Odisha's Jyotirmayee Nayak was announced as the winner of Indian Idol 16. While most contestants spent months competing on the reality show, Nayak's journey has been more than six years in the making. Not many know that she had first auditioned for Indian Idol in 2019, only to face rejection. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the singer reflected on her full-circle moment and why she never believed she would actually win the competition.
'I took a risk leaving playback singing in Odisha'
Nayak described her experience on Indian Idol as both demanding and life-changing. She shared, "Initially, it was very exciting, but as the show progressed, it came with a lot of challenges. It has been a very challenging yet transformative journey. I am really happy that I took this risk because I was already established as a playback singer in Odisha. But now, everything has worked out beautifully, and I am the winner of Indian Idol."
Indian Idol 16 became one of the franchise's longest-running editions after its schedule was extended beyond its expected conclusion in March. The extension meant contestants had to continue competing for several more weeks, making the journey mentally and physically exhausting. Social media users also called out the makers for stretching the season.
Nayak admitted the prolonged season was an unexpected challenge. She said, "It was supposed to end in March. We had already reached the Top 8, and then suddenly we were back in the Top 10 because of the extension. But when you're part of a competition, you're always ready for challenges. I think the long wait also makes this title more special because it hasn't come easily. It has been a very tough journey. Not just for me, but every contestant who reached the finale has struggled immensely to earn their place."
The singer explained that despite enjoying a successful career in Odisha, she wanted to challenge herself and build an identity in the Hindi music industry. She admitted it was a risk, but her desire to grow as an artiste kept her going. Nayak also said the competition tested her at every stage, and it was never a bed of roses.
Among the biggest highlights of her Indian Idol journey was sharing the stage with veteran playback singer Udit Narayan, one of the show's judges and mentors over the years. For Nayak, it was a deeply emotional reunion, as she had previously recorded a song with him. She also opened up about her first Indian Idol audition, where she faced rejection.
'I auditioned in 2019 but was rejected'
Calling it a full-circle moment, Nayak recalled that her first brush with Indian Idol ended in disappointment. She revealed that when she first moved to Mumbai in 2019, she auditioned for the singing reality show but was eliminated.
"Around the same time, I recorded my first song with Udit Narayan Sir. I had told him then that I had auditioned for Indian Idol. He has always been so warm and encouraging. Every time he came on the show, he appreciated my performances and blessed me," she said.
Interestingly, the winner revealed she never entered the finale believing she would walk away with the title. "Honestly, I never thought about becoming the winner. After every performance, I only hoped that I had sung well. Even when my name was announced, I wasn't prepared. Many contestants had prepared speeches. I had nothing to say because I was completely overwhelmed. I was just filled with gratitude," she said emotionally.
'Music therapy taught me empathy'
One of the lesser-known aspects of Nayak's life is her academic background. Before pursuing music full-time, she completed a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Later, driven by a desire to explore the healing power of music, she trained in music therapy, an emerging field that uses music-based interventions to support patients' emotional and psychological well-being. She also worked with cancer patients during her internship in palliative care.
"I have always wanted to learn something new. That's how I discovered music therapy and found it fascinating. Music changes the way you look at people. It makes you more empathetic, and I received so many blessings from that experience in palliative care. Now, whenever I get some free time, I even want to study astrology," she said while discussing her many interests.
Jyotirmayee Nayak took home the Indian Idol 16 trophy along with prize money of Rs 20 lakh. Joining her in the grand finale were Anshika Chonkar, Manraj Veer Singh, Myscmme Bosu, Suhail Sufi and Tanishk Shukla.
On Sunday, Odisha's Jyotirmayee Nayak was announced as the winner of Indian Idol 16. While most contestants spent months competing on the reality show, Nayak's journey has been more than six years in the making. Not many know that she had first auditioned for Indian Idol in 2019, only to face rejection. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the singer reflected on her full-circle moment and why she never believed she would actually win the competition.
'I took a risk leaving playback singing in Odisha'
Nayak described her experience on Indian Idol as both demanding and life-changing. She shared, "Initially, it was very exciting, but as the show progressed, it came with a lot of challenges. It has been a very challenging yet transformative journey. I am really happy that I took this risk because I was already established as a playback singer in Odisha. But now, everything has worked out beautifully, and I am the winner of Indian Idol."
Indian Idol 16 became one of the franchise's longest-running editions after its schedule was extended beyond its expected conclusion in March. The extension meant contestants had to continue competing for several more weeks, making the journey mentally and physically exhausting. Social media users also called out the makers for stretching the season.
Nayak admitted the prolonged season was an unexpected challenge. She said, "It was supposed to end in March. We had already reached the Top 8, and then suddenly we were back in the Top 10 because of the extension. But when you're part of a competition, you're always ready for challenges. I think the long wait also makes this title more special because it hasn't come easily. It has been a very tough journey. Not just for me, but every contestant who reached the finale has struggled immensely to earn their place."
The singer explained that despite enjoying a successful career in Odisha, she wanted to challenge herself and build an identity in the Hindi music industry. She admitted it was a risk, but her desire to grow as an artiste kept her going. Nayak also said the competition tested her at every stage, and it was never a bed of roses.
Among the biggest highlights of her Indian Idol journey was sharing the stage with veteran playback singer Udit Narayan, one of the show's judges and mentors over the years. For Nayak, it was a deeply emotional reunion, as she had previously recorded a song with him. She also opened up about her first Indian Idol audition, where she faced rejection.
'I auditioned in 2019 but was rejected'
Calling it a full-circle moment, Nayak recalled that her first brush with Indian Idol ended in disappointment. She revealed that when she first moved to Mumbai in 2019, she auditioned for the singing reality show but was eliminated.
"Around the same time, I recorded my first song with Udit Narayan Sir. I had told him then that I had auditioned for Indian Idol. He has always been so warm and encouraging. Every time he came on the show, he appreciated my performances and blessed me," she said.
Interestingly, the winner revealed she never entered the finale believing she would walk away with the title. "Honestly, I never thought about becoming the winner. After every performance, I only hoped that I had sung well. Even when my name was announced, I wasn't prepared. Many contestants had prepared speeches. I had nothing to say because I was completely overwhelmed. I was just filled with gratitude," she said emotionally.
'Music therapy taught me empathy'
One of the lesser-known aspects of Nayak's life is her academic background. Before pursuing music full-time, she completed a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Later, driven by a desire to explore the healing power of music, she trained in music therapy, an emerging field that uses music-based interventions to support patients' emotional and psychological well-being. She also worked with cancer patients during her internship in palliative care.
"I have always wanted to learn something new. That's how I discovered music therapy and found it fascinating. Music changes the way you look at people. It makes you more empathetic, and I received so many blessings from that experience in palliative care. Now, whenever I get some free time, I even want to study astrology," she said while discussing her many interests.
Jyotirmayee Nayak took home the Indian Idol 16 trophy along with prize money of Rs 20 lakh. Joining her in the grand finale were Anshika Chonkar, Manraj Veer Singh, Myscmme Bosu, Suhail Sufi and Tanishk Shukla.
On Sunday, Odisha's Jyotirmayee Nayak was announced as the winner of Indian Idol 16. While most contestants spent months competing on the reality show, Nayak's journey has been more than six years in the making. Not many know that she had first auditioned for Indian Idol in 2019, only to face rejection. In an exclusive conversation with India Today, the singer reflected on her full-circle moment and why she never believed she would actually win the competition.
'I took a risk leaving playback singing in Odisha'
Nayak described her experience on Indian Idol as both demanding and life-changing. She shared, "Initially, it was very exciting, but as the show progressed, it came with a lot of challenges. It has been a very challenging yet transformative journey. I am really happy that I took this risk because I was already established as a playback singer in Odisha. But now, everything has worked out beautifully, and I am the winner of Indian Idol."
Indian Idol 16 became one of the franchise's longest-running editions after its schedule was extended beyond its expected conclusion in March. The extension meant contestants had to continue competing for several more weeks, making the journey mentally and physically exhausting. Social media users also called out the makers for stretching the season.
Nayak admitted the prolonged season was an unexpected challenge. She said, "It was supposed to end in March. We had already reached the Top 8, and then suddenly we were back in the Top 10 because of the extension. But when you're part of a competition, you're always ready for challenges. I think the long wait also makes this title more special because it hasn't come easily. It has been a very tough journey. Not just for me, but every contestant who reached the finale has struggled immensely to earn their place."
The singer explained that despite enjoying a successful career in Odisha, she wanted to challenge herself and build an identity in the Hindi music industry. She admitted it was a risk, but her desire to grow as an artiste kept her going. Nayak also said the competition tested her at every stage, and it was never a bed of roses.
Among the biggest highlights of her Indian Idol journey was sharing the stage with veteran playback singer Udit Narayan, one of the show's judges and mentors over the years. For Nayak, it was a deeply emotional reunion, as she had previously recorded a song with him. She also opened up about her first Indian Idol audition, where she faced rejection.
'I auditioned in 2019 but was rejected'
Calling it a full-circle moment, Nayak recalled that her first brush with Indian Idol ended in disappointment. She revealed that when she first moved to Mumbai in 2019, she auditioned for the singing reality show but was eliminated.
"Around the same time, I recorded my first song with Udit Narayan Sir. I had told him then that I had auditioned for Indian Idol. He has always been so warm and encouraging. Every time he came on the show, he appreciated my performances and blessed me," she said.
Interestingly, the winner revealed she never entered the finale believing she would walk away with the title. "Honestly, I never thought about becoming the winner. After every performance, I only hoped that I had sung well. Even when my name was announced, I wasn't prepared. Many contestants had prepared speeches. I had nothing to say because I was completely overwhelmed. I was just filled with gratitude," she said emotionally.
'Music therapy taught me empathy'
One of the lesser-known aspects of Nayak's life is her academic background. Before pursuing music full-time, she completed a degree in Computer Science and Engineering. Later, driven by a desire to explore the healing power of music, she trained in music therapy, an emerging field that uses music-based interventions to support patients' emotional and psychological well-being. She also worked with cancer patients during her internship in palliative care.
"I have always wanted to learn something new. That's how I discovered music therapy and found it fascinating. Music changes the way you look at people. It makes you more empathetic, and I received so many blessings from that experience in palliative care. Now, whenever I get some free time, I even want to study astrology," she said while discussing her many interests.
Jyotirmayee Nayak took home the Indian Idol 16 trophy along with prize money of Rs 20 lakh. Joining her in the grand finale were Anshika Chonkar, Manraj Veer Singh, Myscmme Bosu, Suhail Sufi and Tanishk Shukla.
