If a ‘blindingly’ dazzling Hussain—in blue satin and sequins—did not let the cat out of the bag, then a more dashing Chang—in a silver shirt and Dev Anand moves—certainly did. This was no ordinary gala round: this was a hark back to the era of the retro and the disco.

The contestants, almost unrecognisable in their garish pinks, reds and yellows (methinks Indian Idol needs to rethink their stylist), escorted the judges on stage. But surprise, surprise, instead on taking their seat at the judges’ table, they took over the contestants’ seats! And a confident Top 4 took over from the judges.

When a confused Hussain asked why that was, Annu Malek explained that they just wanted the Top 4 to realise something—the kind of confidence they seemed to get seated at the judges’ table should not be a momentary thing; they should nurture it within them always. Interesting way to teach a lesson—the Top 4 will never forget that one.

Sourabhee ignites the stage

The petite Tripuri girl, who has always dreamed of becoming a rock star, admitted before her performance began that she wanted to become the Indian Idol because she wanted to prove to her strict parents that she can make a living out of singing songs, too. She then took the stage to prove how good she would be as a singer.

Dressed in a purple ensemble with ruffles and a bandana, she started out with Lekar hum and then segued into Jawani jaaneman. Annu was so bedazzled by her performance that he exclaimed: “Yeh kya gazab hua? Mein shikar ho gaya tumhara. You were absolutely divine.” The remaining three judges were equally thrilled, both by the standard she had set for the rest of the competition and also by her flawless performance.

Kapil’s performance comes under fire

Kapil’s reasons for becoming the Indian Idol is also tied to his family—his Army family that is. He said that if he could make it to the top, then other talented fauji would stop hiding their light under a bushel and come out and showcase it properly. We hope so, too, Kapil. You’ve made us curious about who else the Army is hiding away.

The soldier then took the stage with Gulabi aankhen followed by Saara zamaana. However, for the first time, none of the judges gave him a light. Kailash and Javedji felt that the ‘the first song was neeras’ but everyone felt his second song was very good. However, Sonali put it best. She said: “You couldn’t match up to Sourabhee.” Be careful, lest your friend pull the carpet from under your feet.

Rajdeep’s rockin’ and rollin’

What would Rajdeep do if he won the competition? He would buy his parents a house. The 17-year-old has a lot of ‘karz’ that he wants to pay back, and we guess that is not such a bad reason.

Trying to get a step closer to the finale, Mr Smiley started out with Samne yeh kaun aya and then he belted out Mere umar ke naujawano—a song from Karz to start paying off his karz. Nice move.

Once Rajdeep put down his mike, Annu went up on stage. And no, it was not to blast him, but to ask him for an encore. “Phir se yeh donon gaane gaa de yaar! You are rocking today!,” said the judge. Javedji agreed. “Your voice flows like a river. Donon gaane kamala gaya,” he said. High praise!

Torsha gets off on the wrong note

The girl has big dreams and high hopes. Not only does she want to win the title of Indian Idol and join the ‘sapnoon ki nagari’ Bollywood, but she also wants to help her father build his dream hospital. And her voice is the ticket to all that.

But the girl still has not learned how to master the gift given to her. She began well with Rangeela re, but then faltered with Laila oh Laila.

Kailash was unimpressed and said that losing her sur at this stage was unforgivable. Javedji, however, did not want to discourage her and her golden voice, so he still gave her a green. But the biggest blow was when Sonali said that though her attempt was good, she did not live up to expectations. Torsha was in tears.

And the tears multiplied when the judges stated that they thought Sourabhee’s performances had been the best of the evening’s. Pull yourself together girl. If you get another chance, prove why you deserve to win! Tears never got anyone anywhere.