Indonesian Idol

Judges and hosts

The show originally had four judges, namely jazz musician Indra Lesmana, Indonesian pop singer Titi DJ, radio personality Meuthia Kasim, and film director . In season three, radio and television personality Indy Barends replaced Meuthia Kasim because of Meuthia's health. Indy stayed only for one season and left the show before season four. In season four, MTV video jockey, actor, and radio host Jamie Aditya replaced Indy Barends; and musician, singer, producer, and impresario Anang Hermansyah replaced Dimas Djay. In season five, Jamie left the panel, and only three judges—Indra, Titi, and Anang—were left. In 2010, Indra Lesmana and Titi DJ left the panel and were replaced by composer and conductor Erwin Gutawa and singer–actress Agnes Monica. Indonesian and Malaysian pop singer Rossa joined the panel to be the fourth judge. In 2012, Anang Hermansyah and Agnes Monica returned as judges, while a frontman of Dewa 19—musician, composer, and hits-maker music producer Ahmad Dhani—replaced Erwin Gutawa. In 2014, Titi DJ returned to the panel, while Agnes Monica left the panel and was replaced by singer and vocalist of Kotak Band . Anang and Dhani returned as judges. In 2018, RCTI announced that all judges from last season would not be returning and the number of the panel was changed from four judges to five. Pop-rock singer and ex-frontman of Dewa 19, Ari Lasso; frontman of Gigi and songwriter ; music producer and musician Maia Estianty; actress and pop singer BCL, and the runner-up of , Judika, were all set for the panel. For season 10, or "Idol X", all the judges from previous season returned, except for Armand, due to his duties on another talent show, who was replaced by a previous season's judge, Anang Hermansyah, after a hiatus of one season. In the 2020 season, BCL was replaced by pop singer Rossa, due to BCL's mental health after her husband's death in the same year. In the 2022 season, Maia and Ari were replaced by the judge exiting from the Special Season; BCL also rejoined the panel. The ex-frontman of Naif, , was the new judge.

Guest judges may occasionally be introduced. In season one, the guest judge was pop singer Krisdayanti. In season two, musician, music producer, composer, and songwriter replaced Dimas Djay. Musician, composer, songwriter, and music producer Ahmad Dhani replaced Meuthia Kasim in the Any Cities audition. In season four, Titi DJ was replaced several times by comedian, actress, radio host, and singer Tika Panggabean in the Spectacular Show. In season six, singer, songwriter, music producer, composer, and music arranger Melly Goeslaw; Ahmad Dhani; frontman for ST 12 ; frontman for Ungu ; and frontman for Gigi were the guest judges in the Spectacular Show. Guest judges were used in the audition rounds in seasons five, six, and seven: such as singer , Melly Goeslaw, singer and songwriter , and in season five and Melly Goeslaw, Ahmad Dhani, singer , pop-jazz singer Andien, and singer in season seven.

The first two seasons were presented by Amelia Natasha (a.k.a. Ata) and Irgi Ahmad Fahrezy. Irgi quit after the second season and was replaced by Daniel Mananta. In the fifth season, Ata left the show and was replaced by RnB, dance, and pop singer Dewi Sandra. Since the sixth and seventh seasons, only Daniel Mananta was the host. In the eighth season, and acted as the backstage hosts. In the ninth and tenth seasons, was also a host, with Daniel Mananta. In the eleventh season, actor, rapper, TV host, and YouTuber Boy William replaced Daniel Mananta as the host. However, when Boy William was tested positive for COVID-19 at the end of December 2020, until mid-January 2021, Daniel Mananta returned to be guest host. When Boy recovered, he hosted, together with Daniel, until Daniel left at end of January 2021.

Presenters

Key: Current Previous

Judges

Key: Current Previous

Winners & Runner-ups

Winners

Runner-ups

Based on Hometown

Based on Age

Statistics

TOP5s' results

Oldest and Youngest' contestants

Standing Ovation(s)

Selection process

In a series of eliminations, the show selects the eventual winner out of many tens of thousands of contestants.

Auditions

There are 2 rounds of auditions which usually take place in large convention halls where thousands of people waited in line. The first-round judges are the Sony BMG people. Those who passed the first round of auditions continued to audition in front of the main judges. Contestants are required to sing a cappella, with poor singers often facing intense and humbling criticism from the judges. Typically, the judges express disgust or dismay or suppress laughter. Those who impress the majority of the judges, move on to the elimination round, which takes place in Jakarta. Usually only 150 to 170 contestants get through to the elimination round in Jakarta.

Contestants have to be Indonesian citizens. For the first season, contestants were required to be between the ages of 18 and 24 years old. To increase variety, in the second and third season the age requirement was lowered from 18 to 16 and the upper age limit was raised from 24 to 28. As a result, there were many teenagers that made it to the final 12, such as Monita and Vira in the second season, and also Tesa, Brinet, Christy, Ihsan, Gea, and Dirly in the third season. In the fifth season, the eligible age-range for contestants was from 17 to 29.

Elimination round

There are 3 elimination rounds. In the first elimination round, 170 contestants from around Indonesia are separated into 17 groups of 10 contestants eacj. In the second elimination round, male and female contestants are paired and sing duets. In the last elimination round the remaining contestants sing their choice of song, alone in front of the judges. The judges then inform them whether they have made it onto the stage show or not.

Workshop round

Season 1

In the first season, 30 contestants were separated in groups of 10, and every week three contestants from each group were chosen for the Top 10 or The Spectacular Show. Audiences voted their favorites by SMS texting and Premium Calls. After 9 contestants were chosen, there was a wild card round. Only one contestant from the Wild Card round could join the 9 contestants at the Spectacular Show. Karen Theresia Pooroe won the most audience votes, advancing to the Top 10. Although the Spectacular Show was supposed to have a set of 10 contestants, the judges announced at the last minute that they would be advancing a second wild card, an eleventh, contestant, Lucky Octavian, as well.

Season 2

In the second season, there was no Wild Card round. 24 contestants were separated into groups of 8. Every week, 4 contestants were picked to move on to the Top 12.

Season 3

In the third season, the Workshop stage consisted of three rounds, each, for male and female contestants. There were 28 contestants that made it to the Workshop stage in the first week, with eight contestants (four males and four females) being sent home. Six contestants (three males and three females) were sent home in the second week, and the final Workshop eliminated four more contestants (two males and two females). Before the Spectacular round, a pre-gala and wild-card show was held. Four of the eliminated contestants were chosen by the judges and two of them, one male and one female, were given a place in the Spectacular Show based on the result of an audience vote.

Season 6

The sixth season saw several changes to the format of the show. There were 14 finalists, instead of 12. In the Workshop round, 24 semi-finalists were divided into 2 groups. Each consisted of 6 males and 6 females. Four contestants from each group got voted off in the first and second weeks, and two in the third, fourth, and fifth weeks, resulting in the Top 10 contestants, who filled 10 of 14 spots in the Spectacular Show. The judges selected 8 of the previously eliminated 14 semi-finalists to compete in the Wild Card round. Two contestants were picked based on votes by the audience, while the other two were selected by the judges. An additional four contestants (two males and two females) advanced to the final group of 14.

Spectacular Show

In the Spectacular Show stage, which continues over eleven weeks, each finalist performs a song live (two in the top 4 and top 3 and three in the finale) in prime time, with a weekly theme, at the Balai Sarbini Concert Hall in Jakarta, in front of live audiences. Unlike American Idol, Indonesian Idols Result Show is conducted about 1-hour after the Spectacular Show. The Result Show is conducted 7 days after the Grand Finale. In the Result Show, some finalists who get the fewest votes are put in the bottom three or bottom two. Each week, the finalist with the fewest votes is sent home. This process is repeated each week until the one remaining contestant is declared the winner.

Indonesian Idols famous sentence announcing the result is Indonesia Memilih! (Indonesia has chosen!/Indonesia voted...), along with a 1-minute pause and, at last, the result. Every season, the two remaining finalists in the Grand Finale sing a new single for the Winner's Record. The song is to be recorded on the winner's album.

Season contestants

Season 1-5

Season 6-10

Season 11-14

Season synopses

Season 1

The first season was in 2004, when the auditions were held in five cities: Medan, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya, and Jakarta. 32,000 people auditioned. The show became a phenomenon, with the Grand Finale, in September 2004, watched by about 4 million people. There were several people, who sang off-key in the auditions, who competed on the Coba Lagi Awards (Retry Awards). The winner of this award became a guest star on The Top 11 Spectacular Show's Result Show.

The number of the finalists in the first Spectacular Show was originally planned to be 10. However, the judges then made a surprising move by picking Lucky Octavian to also get the wild-card ticket (the first wild card ticket was taken by Karen Pooroe) making the number of contestants 11. Guy Sebastian who was in Indonesia for his album promo tour, was a guest star at the Top 7 Spectacular Show.

Indonesian Idol released its first compilation album, Indonesian Idol: Indonesian All Time Hits. The album was hugely successful and gained Double Platinum status. In the album, the Top 11 sang their first hit, Ekspresi.

The two finalists who battled at the Grand Finale were Joy Destiny Tobing and Delon Thamrin. There were 7,000 people who watched the show live at Istora Senayan, Jakarta. The soon-to-be Indonesian president Susilo Bambang Yudhoyono also watched the Grand Finale.

Joy signed a contract deal with BMG Indonesia, the partner of Indonesian Idols 19 Management. Not so long after her victory, Joy released her first album, Terima Kasih (Thank You), including her new single, most notable as her coronation song, "Karena Cinta".

After the show, the top 10 finalists (minus Helena Andrian, who withdrew from participation due to a contract problem) had a tour around Indonesia. They visited Bandung, Semarang, Surabaya, and Medan. Indonesian Idol finalists were given the opportunity as the opening singers on an American Idol tour in Singapore not long after the show.

A few weeks after the tour, Joy's contract with the show's producer, FremantleMedia, was terminated after some problems regarding the terms of her contract. As a result, runner-up Delon Thamrin was afterwards more heavily promoted by Fremantle.

After leaving Indonesian Idol, Joy made her first international album called Rise. Rumors had it that Joy had been planning to resign from Indonesian Idol since the audition brought her fame. Delon got his first role as a movie star by starring in the movie Vina Bilang Cinta with Indonesian actress Rachel Maryam.

Before Joy left, Helena also resigned from Indonesian Idol and released her first solo album in 2005, titled Keajaiban Cinta. Nania, the second runner-up, and Karen also chose to resign shortly after Helena.

Delon's first album was released in October 2004, with the single "Bahagiaku". His album also had a huge success. He was also featured on Indonesian singer Andre Hehanusa's album with his single "Aku Masih Cinta" ("I still Love You"). Delon's second album was released in December 2005. Delon was nominated as the Best New Singer in Anugrah Planet Muzik 2005. He also won a 2005 SCTV Award as Best New Artist.

Michael Jakarimilena appeared in a movie about a Papua boy, as one of the villagers. The movie was released in Indonesia in 2006. Winda Viska Ria acted on the local sitcom called OB Office Boy. Nania was featured in Indra Lesmana's album and sang "Sedalam Cintamu" ("As Deep as Your Love") with Indra Lesmana. Adika Priatama has been working for RCTI as a news anchor.

Finalists

(ages stated at time of contest)

Elimination chart

1 The first week of the Spectacular Show was a Double Elimination Week and four contestants were announced as unsafe.

2 Due to having appendicitis, Nania was absent from the Top 7 show, leaving the show with only 6 contestants. She was allowed to remain on the show, proceeding to the top 6-week, but just for one week. Otherwise she would automatically be voted off.

3 It was revealed that the number of votes cast during the Grand Finale week was approximately 4 million. Less than 6 percent separated Joy and Delon.

Season 2

Main article: Indonesian Idol season 2

The second season started on 25 March 2005. Auditions were held from 15 February to 17 March in five cities: Makassar, Yogyakarta, Bandung, Surabaya and Jakarta. The audition in Medan was canceled due to the 2004 tsunami that destroyed most of Aceh and North Sumatra. Instead, that audition was held in Makassar. There were 38,000 people who auditioned for the second season.

There were some changes in the second season, such as there being no Wildcard round, and the number of the finalists on the spectacular show being 12. Nine male, but only three female, contestants made it to the Top 12. It is the only Indonesian Idol season to have a gender imbalance among the finalists.

The Indonesian Idol Season 2 compilation album was released three weeks after the Spectacular Show began. The title of the album was Seri Cinta or Love Songs. The single album-hit was "Cintaku", sung by Season 2's Top 12.

The two finalists in the Grand Finale were Mike and Judika. The Grand Finale was held at the Plenary Hall of Jakarta Convention Center. In the Result Show, some stars became guest stars, one of whom was Christian Bautista, a male singer from the Philippines. Pop singer Ruth Sahanaya made a surprise appearance for Mike and Judika when they sang her song, "Tak Kuduga". Season 1 finalists came to the Result Show and sang together with Season 2's finalists.

Only 1 million votes were cast during the Grand Finale week. Mike took the crown by a slim two percent margin. Judika led the vote before the Result Show, but Mike passed him and won.

Not long after the finale, Mike released his self-titled album with his new single, "Semua Untuk Cinta (All For Love)". Many Indonesian composers contributed songs to Mike's first album, including "Cinta Tak Bertuan", composed by Glenn Fredly. Runner up Judika had released his solo album in August 2006. The Top 12 contestants had a tour of Surabaya. The tour was initially planned with stops at Bandung, Yogyakarta, and Makassar. However, Fremantle canceled it without giving any reason. After seven years passed, some of the finalists of Season 2 were confirmed to return to the music industry. Maya (now Kamaya) launched his first mini album in 2010; Wisnu, who had changed his name to Nino, released two singles in 2011; Monita, who placed fourth this season, launched her first album in 2010, produced by former judge Indra Lesmana. Also, Judika became a judge in Season 9.

Ronald Silitonga, Wisnu, Danar Indra, and Top 8 of Season 3 contestant Sisi Hapsari have formed a Christian music group called Awaken, which had mild success singing Indonesian gospel. In 2013, Danar Indra confirmed the launch of his first single, "Untuk Apa" ("What For") written by Bemby Noor, who has written for Afgan and Girlband Cherrybelle.

In 2016, the public was shocked by the death of Mike Mohede from a heart attack on a Sunday afternoon. It became the most trending topic ever in Indonesian entertainment history, and he was named as one of the best personalities in Indonesian Music. Weeks later, some winners of Indonesian Idol, and other finalists, gave a tribute concert watched by thousands of fans.

In 2017, Top 12 finalist Danar Indra confirmed, through his fan page, that he would release his first Christian Contemporary album and work with the keyboardist of Tompi and Trio Lestari. In January 2018, Danar had signed a solo deal with an independent Christian label, and on 18 January 2018, Danar released his debut solo single "Tuhan Adalah Gembalaku". The single did exceptionally well in digital and became fans' long-awaited single, after 12 years, and he became the first Indonesian Contemporary Christian artist in the millennial era (2010–2018). On 18 February 2018, Danar released his debut album, And I'm Dancing... digitally. The album was influenced by the ups and downs in his life, spiritual experiences, and Psalm 23. There are ten tracks, one of which is the international version of his first single, a duet with one gospel singer Maya Uniputty. Following the success of his debut album, he released a recycled CCM song: "Kau Sangat Ku Cinta", written by Franky Sihombing, in an acoustic version. In 2020, Danar teamed with The Voice Indonesia semi-finalist Jims Wong, to release a sophomore single, "Rencana-Mu", featuring Viona Paays. The single was mastered by Nashville Auto Mastering in the US and had mild success as a new Christian Contemporary song. In 2022, Danar teamed with a Christian worship leader and former vocalist of Lifetree, Franky Kuncoro, to release a recycled song: "Pilihan Yang Terbaik", in both studio and live versions, which aired on Revivo Channel. Danar produced a new album, Greatest Story Ever Told, launched at the end of 2022.

Finalists

(ages stated at time of contest)

Elimination chart

Season 3

Main article: Indonesian Idol season 3

The third season of Indonesian Idol was launched on 21 April 2006. The auditions were held at some of Indonesia's major cities, such as Jakarta, Bandung, Yogyakarta, Surabaya, and Medan. This season, Indonesian Idol also conducted smaller auditions other cities, such as Manado and Ambon. The contestants who passed the initial round in both Manado and Ambon were eventually brought into an elimination round in Surabaya. After an additional elimination round, the final group of contestants was brought to Jakarta to determine the final twelve contestants who made it onto the Spectacular Show.

As in previous Indonesian Idol seasons, the Spectacular Show was held in Balai Sarbini (Sarbini Building) in South Jakarta. The third season's finalists were considered better than those of the previous seasons by the judges. However, there were some surprising eliminations at the Spectacular Show. Depe, who was regarded as a strong contender, became the first contestant to be eliminated. Indra Lesmana said that Depe was eliminated way too soon. Sisi, who was a huge favorite amongst judges, was eliminated on the fifth Spectacular Show. The Final Three consisted of Gea, Dirly, and Ihsan. Gea's fans' votes were not enough to save her from elimination from the Top 3. This left Dirly and Ihsan to battle at the Season 3 Grand Finale for the Indonesian Idol title. The Grand Finale was held at the Istora Senayan (Senayan Athletic Complex) in Central Jakarta. The live audience numbered approximately 7,000 people. "Kemenangan Hati", the winner's single for the third season, was written by Indonesia's top composer, Yovie Widyanto, who also served as guest judge at the Indonesian Idols Season 2 auditions. The Grand Finale week garnered a total of approximately 2.7 million votes. Ihsan won with a margin of 10 percent more votes than Dirly.

The compilation album for the third season was Tribute to Tonny Koeswoyo. Tonny, one of the founding members of Koes Plus, a legendary Indonesian Rock Band, died in 1987. Before his death, he and his brothers produced more than a few catchy tunes that people still remember today. The Top 12 Finalists sang "Nusantara" (Nusantara is the other name for Indonesia) as well as Koes Plus' other famous hit songs, such as "Diana" and "Kembali ke Jakarta" (Return to Jakarta).

Since the show ended, Dirly and Gea have debuted their acting career in a TV drama called Idola (Idol), which was aired on RCTI every Mondays at 8 pm. Ihsan also acted in an Islamic religious series called Maha Kasih, which is also on RCTI.

Finalists

(ages stated at time of contest)

Elimination chart

Season 4

Main article: Indonesian Idol season 4

The fourth season premiered on 30 March 2007. Auditions began in early January. Ata and Daniel were back as hosts. Indra Lesmana and Titi DJ returned as judges while Indy Barends and Dimas Djayadiningrat were replaced by Anang Hermansyah and Jamie Aditya. The fourth season's compilation album, titled Masterpiece, was released on the seventh week of the Spectacular Show. The single hit was "Bendera" (originally sung by Cokelat), performed by the Top 12 finalists.

Rini Wulandari was named the winner of Season 4 on 28 July 2007. She is the fourth finalist from Medan, North Sumatra, who made it to the finale. This season was the first time since the first season when a female won. The composition of 1 male and 3 females on the Top 4 is also exactly the same composition as in Season 1. Rini's debut album was released in November 2007, which included her winner's single. Runner-up Wilson released his first single in March 2010. Fifth-place finisher Fandy Santoso is now the lead singer of the band Kerispatih, replacing the band's former vocalist Sammy, who was kicked out of the band due to drug use.

Finalists

(ages stated at time of contest)

Elimination chart

1 It was announced as the bottom two rather than the usual bottom three. Dimas was finally voted off after 5 times consecutively being placed in the bottom three or bottom two.

2 It was revealed that Rini got the largest number of votes. It also meant that Gaby got the second highest number of votes.

3 Rini received 51.2% of all the votes that were cast, while Wilson received only 48.8%

Season 5

Main article: Indonesian Idol season 5

The fifth season of Indonesian Idol first aired on 4 April 2008 on RCTI. This season the age limit was changed to range from 16–29 to 17–29. The fifth season of Idol in Indonesia saw contestants able to perform with an instrument at any stage of the competition whereas other adaptations of Idol that have introduced live instrumentation only allow the concept at certain times during the show.

The commercial announcing Season 5 was first aired during a commercial break of Asian Idol. Online registration was open on Indonesian Idols official website. Auditions started on 3 February, starting in Medan. Daniel returned as the show's host, along with two new hosts, Dewi Sandra and Marissa Nasution. Ata was no longer the host because she moved to Australia with her husband. Auditions were held in 15 cities. Eight cities held full auditions: Medan, Manado, Ambon, Bali, Surabaya, Bandung, Palembang, and Jakarta. Seven other cities were visited by an Audition Bus that toured: Yogyakarta, Malang, Madiun, Salatiga, Cilacap, Tegal, and Cirebon. A Dream Box was placed in The Wave Mall in Bali for auditions. The judges for the fifth season were Indra Lesmana, Titi DJ, and Anang Hermansyah.

Finalists

(ages stated at time of contest)

Elimination chart

Season 6

Main article: Indonesian Idol season 6

The sixth season of Indonesian Idol premiered on 5 March 2010, on RCTI. The sixth season saw several changes to the format of the show. There were 14 finalists instead of 12. Another change in the format, which was revealed in the fourth week of the Spectacular Show, is the one-time veto power for the judges to save a contestant who was eliminated by the viewers' votes.

On 12 March 2009, RCTI's CEO announced that Indonesian Idol would not be running a sixth season. But in late October 2009, RCTI surprised its audience by showing a short commercial of the Indonesian Idol logo. Rumors started spreading that Indonesian Idol would be back in 2010 after a hiatus for one season. No press confirmation was given. The judges for the sixth season were Agnes Monica, Erwin Gutawa, Rossa, and Anang Hermansyah.

After many rumors, RCTI finally confirmed the return of Indonesian for Season 6, by making audition commercials that featured Daniel Mananta (who came back as host), which confirmed that Indonesian Idol would be back in 2010. The auditions for Season 6 were held from December 2009 and in 17 cities. There was a form to fill out at the Indonesian Idol website to try for auditions. Auditioners had to be between the ages of 16 and 27 by 16 November 2009.

Finalists

(ages stated at time of contest)

Elimination chart

1 On 2nd Spectacular Show, 2 contestants must voted off.

2 Starting from the Top 10 stage, the judges can use Veto Rights, to rescue voted off contestants. Veto Rights can only be used only once.

3 The 5th Spectacular Show was postponed a day because of the opening of the 2010 FIFA World Cup on 11 June 2010.

4 On the 10th Spectacular Show, 2 contestants were voted off.

5 Judges use their Veto Rights to save Ray from elimination.

Season 7

Main article: Indonesian Idol (season 7)

RCTI confirmed the return of Indonesian Idol for a seventh season, which aired from 17 February 2012, every Friday at 8:00 pm.

The show, which was dropped the previous year for the launch of MasterChef Indonesia, made a comeback later in the year. In 2012, RCTI appointed Fabian Dharmawan to be the Executive Producer and a project leader for Indonesian Idol 2012, while Fremantle Media appointed Glenn Sims to lead the new creative direction and tone for the series. Both Dharmawan and Sims worked closely to free the show of heavy-handed gimmicks that had bogged down previous seasons, and to dramatically lift production values. As a result, compared to all the previous seasons, this season of Idol achieved the highest ratings and share in average and went on to become the most successful season in the history of Indonesian Idol.

Daniel Mananta, who previously hosted the show, returned as the main host. The judges for this season were Anang Hermansyah, Agnes Monica, and Ahmad Dhani.

Finalists

(ages stated at time of contest)