The roar of ambition and the melody of hope filled the campus of Indo Global Mandiri (IGM) University last Saturday (12/7), when the leading campus in Indonesia was once again trusted to be the main gate for thousands of aspiring megastars.
From Solo, the Indonesian Idol Season XIV audition caravan made a stop in Pempek City, attracting crowds from all over, who were willing to travel long distances to fulfill their dreams on the most prestigious music stage in the country. The enthusiasm was so overwhelming, making IGM University a silent witness to the birth of extraordinary potential.
The re-election of IGM University as the location of the Indonesian Idol audition is not without reason. The campus is known for its adequate facilities, spacious halls, and conducive environment to accommodate thousands of participants and production teams. Since morning, a long queue of Idol hopefuls had snaked up, filling every corner of the registration area.
They came with different stories, backgrounds, and of course, golden voices ready to be tested. From young teenagers who just dared to show off, to those who have spent years honing their singing skills on various local stages, all gathered with one goal: to win the golden ticket to the next round.
A total of 1500 people were recorded as audition participants in Palembang, a number that shows how strong the appeal of Indonesian Idol as a platform to realize dreams. They not only came from Palembang and cities in South Sumatra, but also from neighboring provinces such as Jambi, Lampung, and some even came from Java or Batam, just for this opportunity. Each of them brought their signature music genre, ranging from pop, rock, dangdut, to R&B, ready to amaze the judges with their unique vocal characteristics and interpretations. The audition process was rigorous, with several initial screening stages that required mental steel and physical readiness. The participants had to go through a long registration process, a pre-cast session in front of the talent scout team, and finally a chance to perform in front of the judges, who would decide their fate.
The excitement of the audition in Palembang was further enhanced by the presence of Indonesian Idol alumni whose names are familiar to the public. Fajar Noor and Manisa Liona, two figures who have felt the atmosphere of intense competition on the same stage, were present not only to provide entertainment through their special performances, but also to share motivation, tips and tricks directly with the participants. The real-life experiences of these alumni became an invaluable injection of enthusiasm for the audition participants.
Indonesian Idol Season XIV is predicted to be grander, more exciting, and wider than the previous seasons. After the great success of the previous season that gave birth to new stars in the country’s music industry, this talent search event again opened opportunities for the best musical talents from all over Indonesia. A total of 13 major cities in Indonesia became audition destinations, demonstrating a wider reach and commitment to discovering hidden talents in each region. (andhiko ta)
