Singer Sonu Nigam, who has formerly been a judge on Indian Idol, said that ‘always praising’ contestants on reality shows is counterproductive. His comments come months after singer and radio host Amit Kumar claimed that he was asked to praise the contestants of Indian Idol 12 when he appeared on the show as a special judge for an episode. Without taking any names, Sonu Nigam said that if judges don’t give ‘honest feedback’ to contestants, they will not learn. He said that only praising them is akin to ‘spoil(ing)’ them.

Talking to a leading daily, Sonu said, “As a judge, we are here to teach something to the contestants. We should give honest feedback to the participants. Always praising them won’t do any good. Humeshawahwahkarogetohkaisehoga (how will it work, if you always praise them)? We aren’t here to spoil these kids. Even the contestants won’t understand when they have performed well and when they haven’t if we keep praising them.”

Sonu added, however, that it is ‘very natural’ to make mistakes on stage. “You can’t make everything perfect. Thoda flaws haitohbhichalega (It’s okay even if there are some flaws). These flaws make the show interesting. Some contestants are born talented, some work hard and learn. A few instantly get success while a few of them shine later,” he said.

Earlier, in a video shared on Instagram, Sonu reacted to the controversy surrounding Indian Idol 12 and defended Amit Kumar. He had said, “Seedheaadmihai, shareefaadmihai, kuchboltenahihai, he is maintaining a dignified silence. Uskaaap log undue advantage le rahehai (He is a simple and honest man, and undue advantage is being taken of his dignified silence).” He has also urged the media and the Indian Idol team to end the matter.