Pakistan gearing up for its own 'Got Talent'

Pakistan is set to host its own version of the globally renowned reality show Got Talent, with Pixel Entertainment announcing that it has signed a deal with international entertainment company Fremantle to bring the franchise to the country.

Originally created by Simon Cowell and owned by Fremantle, the Got Talent format has aired in more than 70 countries worldwide and holds the Guinness World Record as the most successful reality TV format in history.

Now, for the first time, Pakistan will have its own edition: Pakistan's Got Talent. The show is expected to provide a wide platform for performers from across the nation, inviting singers, dancers, magicians, comedians, acrobats, beatboxers, and others to showcase their skills. Nationwide auditions are scheduled to begin soon.

Rizwan Siddiqui, CEO and co-founder of Pixel Entertainment, described the launch as a milestone moment. "This is a moment of immense pride and excitement. Bringing Got Talent to Pakistan means unlocking the incredible, diverse, and often undiscovered talent that exists across our cities, towns, and villages. We are thrilled to provide a global stage for Pakistani performers to shine," he said.

The announcement follows closely on the heels of another major television revival: the return of Pakistan Idol. MHL Global recently acquired the rights to bring back the singing competition, which, like Got Talent, is owned by Fremantle.

With both Pakistan Idol and Pakistan's Got Talent now in the pipeline, the country's entertainment industry looks poised for a shakeup. Both franchises aim to uncover fresh talent and offer new opportunities for performers, potentially setting new benchmarks for Pakistani television.

The revived Pakistan Idol will be hosted by comedian and actor Shafaat Ali, with a high-profile judging panel that includes Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bilal Maqsood of Strings.

Bangash has already hinted at a defining change in the new season: contestants will perform only Pakistani songs. Responding to a fan on Instagram, she confirmed, "Yes, only Pakistani songs for Pakistan Idol."

The move has been welcomed by fans eager to see a platform dedicated to local music rather than Bollywood tracks. Auditions have already reached Lahore, with young hopefuls gathering at the Alhamra Cultural Complex near Gaddafi Stadium.

Fans and industry insiders see this focus on Pakistani music as a chance to highlight the country's growing global presence in the music world. Zoya Merchant, Director at MH Global, described the revival as more than just television.

"Pakistan Idol is not just a show, but a cultural movement," she said, underscoring the partnership with Fremantle as a milestone for the nation's creative industries.

The first season of Pakistan Idol aired in 2013–14, concluding with Lahore's Zamad Baig crowned the winner. With the new season and Pakistan's Got Talent entering production, Pakistan's entertainment landscape is set to be transformed, offering fresh opportunities for performers and showcasing national talent on a global stage.