Pakistan Idol is facing its first major controversy this season after Top 16 contestant M Ibrar Shahid abruptly quit the show, leveling serious allegations against the production team. The unexpected exit has sparked intense debate on social media and raised questions about transparency in reality television.
Ibrar Shahid, a student of the National College of Arts (NCA), shared his claims in a viral video, accusing the show of using heavy auto-tune and creating what he described as an “unfair and emotionally damaging” environment for contestants. His statements quickly gained traction online, with fans and viewers divided over the credibility of the allegations.
According to Ibrar, the issue escalated after he publicly commented that a clip of his performance aired on the show did not sound like his real voice. He alleged that the audio had been edited, altering the authenticity of his performance. Following this, he claimed he was threatened with legal action by the production team for making such remarks.
“Everything you see on camera is a facade,” Ibrar said in the video, suggesting that the reality portrayed on the show does not reflect what contestants experience behind the scenes. He further implied that creative and technical manipulations impact not only performances but also the emotional well-being of participants.
In response, the Pakistan Idol team has strongly denied all accusations, calling them “false, misleading, and defamatory.” In an official statement, the production maintained that the show strictly follows international broadcasting and production standards. The team emphasized that all performances are handled professionally and ethically, without compromising the integrity of the competition.
The producers also warned that they are prepared to take legal action to safeguard the reputation of Pakistan Idol, stating that such claims can cause serious harm to the brand and those involved in its production.
As the controversy unfolds, the incident has reignited discussions about authenticity, editing practices, and mental health support in televised talent competitions. Whether the dispute will escalate further or be resolved legally remains to be seen, but the fallout has undeniably cast a spotlight on Pakistan Idol at a critical moment in the season.
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