In recent days, judge credibility has become the hottest debate surrounding Pakistan Idol. Early episodes of the revived show have triggered a wave of criticism over whether the judges are suitably qualified to evaluate promising singers.
From the very first auditions, concerns about judge credibility surfaced among fans. Many voiced that, apart from Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, the rest of the panel lacks sufficient vocal expertise to assess talented contestants fairly.
Social media reactions pour in with comments such as “Can the judges hit high notes without cracking?” and “How credible is the show if actors judge singers?”
At the same time, the show has been widely shared, and promos highlight dramatic judge reactions, applause, and surprise at performances.
Who Are The Pakistan Idol Judges?
The 2025 judging lineup consists of Fawad Khan, Zeb Bangash, Rahat Fateh Ali Khan, and Bilal Maqsood.
– Rahat brings solid musical credibility, being an established vocalist.
– Bilal Maqsood, as a songwriter and pop icon, offers industry insight into composition and performance.
– Zeb Bangash’s versatility across genres gives her merit as a mentor figure.
– Fawad Khan’s judge role is more controversial: known first as an actor, his musical credentials are questioned by critics.
Despite critics, some supporters argue that judging goes beyond raw singing, stage presence, emotion, and performance style, areas where non-vocalists may contribute value too.
While judge credibility is under scrutiny, others have countered that the panel has already shown encouraging support for contestants. In fact, Zeb and Bilal publicly applauded rising talent on the show, acknowledging standout performances with warmth and encouragement.
These gestures help soften criticism and project the judges as constructive rather than overly harsh.
Key Points In The Debate
- Viewers question judge credibility when singers are judged by less-experienced vocalists.
- The panel is a mix of musical and non-musical personalities.
- Supporters argue that judging is multidimensional, not solely about hitting notes.
- Judges Zeb and Bilal’s praise provides balance amid criticism.
As Pakistan Idol continues its journey, the spotlight on judge credibility will likely intensify. Will the panel win over skeptics, or will the judgment controversy overshadow the talent? Only time will tell.
