GECs
Big CBS Love to air American Idol’s grand finale live in India
MUMBAI: Big CBS Love is all set to live telecast the grand finale of singing reality show American Idol season 12 in India.
The telecast marks the first time ever that the finals of an international singing reality show will be aired live on Indian television screens.
The show will witness performances by the likes of the ex-judge Jennifer Lopez and international phenomenon PSY. The grand finale of American Idol Season 12 with the top two finalists Candice Glover and Kree Harrison and judges Mariah Carey, Nicki Minaj, Keith Urban and Randy Jackson will air on 17 May at 5.30 am with a repeat telecast on Friday and Saturday at 9 pm exclusively in India on Big CBS Love.
According to the channel, the American Idol season 12 grand finale promises to be a star-studded musical affair. Joining these stars during the finale will be two Indian singers who through the ‘Love to Sing’ contest conducted in association with Talenthouse India have won the “once-in-a-lifetime” opportunity to witness the show Live in Los Angeles.
Big CBS Networks business head Anand Chakravarthy said, “We constantly strive for excellence in terms of the quality of content we offer to our audiences. A show like American Idol which is followed by millions across the globe warrantees the need of a live telecast for its grand finale. We are extremely proud to be the first movers in introducing this trend and are confident that the show’s loyal fan following in India will appreciate our efforts. The appeal of the show is sure to attract music lovers across the county while allowing us to provide an added value proposition to our advertisers.”
GECs
Asianet Television Awards 2026 celebrates women power in Malayalam TV
“She is the Colour” theme honours icons as ceremony airs on March 14 and 15 at 7 PM.
MUMBAI: If television lights up living rooms, this year Asianet decided to let women provide the colour. The Asianet Television Awards 2026 turned the spotlight firmly on women empowerment with the theme “She is the Colour”, celebrating the strength, resilience and achievements of women who continue to shape society and the Malayalam entertainment industry.
The ceremony honoured several distinguished personalities whose journeys have left a lasting cultural imprint. Among them was legendary playback singer Vimala Varma, widely recognised as the first Malayalam playback singer. The evening also paid tribute to Padma Shri awardees Devaki Amma and Vimala Menon for their exceptional contributions in their respective fields.
Leading women from the Malayalam film industry were also recognised during the event, including actor Shweta Menon, who currently serves as president of the Association of Malayalam Movie Artists, and National Award winning actor Surabhi Lakshmi.
The awards ceremony brought together a glittering lineup of actors and industry figures, including Jayasurya, Vijay Babu, Asha Sarath, Lena, Esther Anil, Anumol, Akhila Bhargavan, Sarayu Mohan, Prajod Kalabhavan, Gayathri Suresh, Sabumon Abdusamad, Swasika, Tini Tom, Sijoy Varghese, Kailash, Veena Nandakumar, Sabareesh Varma, Ansiba Hassan and Dinesh Prabhakar. Kishan Kumar, executive vice president Malayalam at JioStar, was also present at the event.
Beyond individual recognitions, the awards celebrated excellence across Malayalam television, acknowledging artists and technicians whose work continues to drive the industry forward.
The evening also offered plenty of spectacle, with elaborate dance performances, stunt acts and comedy skits performed by popular television and film personalities, turning the ceremony into a full fledged entertainment showcase.
Viewers will get to watch the celebrations when the Asianet Television Awards 2026 air on Asianet on March 14 and 15, Saturday and Sunday, from 7 pm onwards, bringing the star studded tribute to homes across Kerala and beyond.
