Sony Entertainment Television (SET) and Sony LIV are bringing back 24 singers from previous seasons of Indian Idol for a new format, ‘Indian Idol Legends Return’. Produced by Fremantle, the show will feature 12 competing duos, bringing together familiar voices including Abhijeet Sawant, Amit Sana, Salman Ali and Sayli Kamble. The season premieres on October 17, 2026, and will air every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
The new season will see Himesh Reshammiya return as Superstar Judge, while Aditya Narayan will host the show. In a change to the competition format, contestants will be evaluated by Reshammiya as well as their fellow participants, adding another dimension to the judging process. The singers will form new musical partnerships, with each duo expected to build chemistry, demonstrate versatility and deliver performances that stand out against a field of experienced performers.
Built around the thought, “Sirf ek baar jeetna kaafi nahi hota, baar baar jeetna padta hai,” the show challenges singers who have already earned recognition through earlier seasons to win audiences over once again. While their past performances helped establish their identities among viewers, the new format will test their ability to adapt to different partners and compete in a fresh musical environment. The show aims to combine nostalgia and audience familiarity with the excitement of a new competition.
Harsh Sheth, Business Head, Sony Entertainment Television, said the season builds on Indian Idol’s legacy of discovering talent and creating memorable musical moments. He described the return of celebrated contestants, alongside Reshammiya’s presence as judge, as a combination of nostalgia, competition and star power. Aradhana Bhola, Managing Director, Fremantle, said the format brings together the show’s established fan following and duet performances, with musical chemistry, competitive spirit and renewed ambition at its centre.
Reshammiya said the returning singers would have to prove themselves again despite their previous achievements, with every performance offering an opportunity to push boundaries and win viewers’ support. With ‘Indian Idol Legends Return’, Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV aim to revisit the franchise’s legacy while introducing a new competitive format. The 10-episode season will premiere on October 17, with new episodes airing every Saturday and Sunday at 8 PM.