In the second edition of the nationwide hunt for a mixed band, Star's music arm has already narrowed the search from over 15,000, to 81 finalists across various cities and to the final four, says a company release.

The neck to neck battle that ensued between 85 finalists had many contestants losing out by just a few points. The channel, in a bid to be fair to the talented but not-so-lucky lot, has joined hands with the Rai University to help then enhance their musical skills.

According to the Channel [V] Vice President Content and Communication Keertan Adyanthaya: "During the audition and selection process of Coke [V] Popstars 2, we came across some incredible musical talent from across the country. As a channel that represents the youth of India, Channel [V] has always believed in recognizing and nurturing raw musical talent. At Channel [V], we firmly believe that talented youth always come out as winners."

The Rai Foundation, an institute with a holistic approach to learning, is a nonprofit NGO, says the release. The university dedicated to provide quality education to students from all strata of society is spread over eleven campuses across the country: New Delhi, Mumbai, Kolkata, Bangalore, Gurgaon, Kosi, Lucknow, Behror, Hyderabad, Pune, Bhopal, Pathankot and Dehradun. The University offers a wide variety of programmes from the pure and conventional to the more modern and career-oriented qualifications, adds the release.

Rai University president, Vinay Rai said: "Channel [V]`s talent scholarship in conjunction with Rai university will provide a superb environment to 81 talented youngsters. Rai University's extensive and innovative courses in over 309 skill based innovative disciplines will be the perfect platform for these talented stars to launch their exciting careers "