The Fifth Season of Indian Idol started broadcasting from April 26, 2010, on Sony TV. Anu Malik returned as the judge while Salim Merchant and Sunidhi Chauhan were the two new judges this season.
The top-17 finals format is used in this season, one among whom will emerge as 'Desh Ki Awaaz'. The contenders will each stand the chance to win a once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to be a playback singer in a forthcoming movie of Yash Raj Films, said a Press release issued by Sony Entertainment Television[1]. The fifth season saw numerous changes to the format of the show. There are 16 semi-finalists instead of 24.