In a first for the franchise, Indian Idol Season 16 has marked its international debut with two special episodes filmed at Yas Island, in collaboration with Sony Pictures Networks India. Shot at Warner Bros. World Yas Island, Abu Dhabi, the region’s largest indoor theme park, the episodes aired on Indian Idol on February 21 and 22 on Sony Entertainment Television and Sony LIV.
The Abu Dhabi specials aligned with this season’s theme, “Yaadon Ki Playlist”, blending nostalgia and timeless music with Yas Island’s immersive entertainment landscape. The judging panel — Badshah, Vishal Dadlani and guest judge Madhubanti Bagchi — along with host Aditya Narayan, brought star power to the global stage. The Final 10 contestants also explored Ferrari World, Yas Waterworld, SeaWorld and CLYMB, with exclusive segments highlighting the island’s attractions.
Liam Findlay, CEO of Miral Destinations, said hosting the show reinforced Yas Island’s position as a global entertainment hub. Akshay Agrawal of SPNI called the collaboration a defining moment that elevated Indian Idol into an international spectacle. In Kolkata, the international shoot is expected to strengthen brand partnerships and advertising traction in eastern India, where Indian Idol enjoys strong urban viewership. Media planners say the Abu Dhabi episodes offer premium integration opportunities for brands targeting aspirational audiences in Kolkata’s expanding entertainment and retail segments.