GECs
‘The X Factor’ Indonesia attracts over 6 million votes on Google search
MUMBAI: The second season of the Indonesian version of The X Factor is celebrating huge success having received over six million public votes through the groundbreaking partnership with Google. The X Factor Indonesia is just the second TV show in the world to use the Google Search voting platform after American Idol, produced by FremantleMedia North America, introduced the Google Search voting platform in 2014.
Audiences across Indonesia tuning into the The X Factor live shows were given the opportunity to vote for their favourite performer directly from Google Search. The introduction of the Google Voting has led to increased interactivity through mobile and tablet devices and has resulted in a steady rise in voting numbers week on week – from an initial 700,000 votes to peaking at just over six million after the most recent show.
Ferry Firdaus, Head of Brand Partnership and New Media, FremantleMedia Indonesia, said, “The Google voting platform has proved to be incredibly popular with viewers of The X Factor. This innovative new voting platform is a landmark first in Indonesia and its introduction enables fans of the show to further connect to the series as well as offering a way to get closer to the action.”
Fabian Dharmawan, Head of Operational Production RCTI, said “With Google vote we are responding in the fastest ever growing mobile-based interaction. We are pleased to have Google vote in The X Factor Indonesia to cater digital trends to our loyal The X Factor voters.”
James Rothwell, Head of Social Marketing, Google Asia Pacific added “We are incredibly excited to bring the Google Search voting platform to Asia, and have been delighted by the results and feedback we have seen so far. The X Factor Indonesia was a natural partner to launch with, and we hope that voters will continue to turn to Google to keep their favorite contestants in the show.”
With numerous award-winning apps and games, and millions of fans and followers of its brands on social media around the world, FremantleMedia has long been a market leader in introducing new ways for audiences to engage with TV programmes in the second screen and social media.
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.
