Amazon MX Player has partnered with Warner Music and Spotify to launch ‘I-POPSTAR, a music reality show showcasing 25 independent musicians across genres like pop, rap, EDM, R&B and rock, which starts  streaming from October 18.

According to a media statement from Amazon MX Player yesterday, the show brings together 25 contestants through auditions, with 12 making it to the Gala Rounds, which will then culminate into the Grand Finale. The aspiring musicians from across the country will showcase their original compositions across diverse genres with performances in regional languages like Hindi, Punjabi, Haryanvi and Gujarati.

The partnership with Warner Music and Spotify as music partners would help in setting the tone for a musical experience never seen before, the statement added.

Speaking about the show, Amogh Dusad, Director & Head of Content, Amazon MX Player, explained, “At Amazon MX Player, we’ve always aimed to bring bold, disruptive formats that resonate with our audiences. ‘I-POPSTAR’ is a celebration of independent music that captures creativity, originality, and talent from across the nation.

“It’s high-energy, unpredictable, and emotionally engaging. With our incredible mentors guiding the journey, viewers can expect an unfiltered, thoroughly entertaining experience that is both uniquely Indian and universally relatable.”

Produced by Rusk Media, the show represents a significant step in supporting India’s growing independent music scene. Mayank Yadav, CEO & Co-founder, Rusk Media said, “At Rusk Media, we’ve always believed in giving young creators the space to showcase their originality. With ‘I-POPSTAR’, we’re bringing together India’s diverse music culture and offering a platform that celebrates fresh voices and bold new sounds.”

Who all will judge the show? The list is quite impressive as it features King, Aastha Gill, Aditya Rikhari and Parmish Verma as mentors, who will guide contestants, evaluate their performances, and push them to explore new creative heights.

As one of India’s leading rap artists, King believes the competition offers a unique platform for artists to showcase their authentic voice. Known for her vibrant performances and cross-genre collaborations, Gill felt that she felt excited by “originality of the music”. Rikhari, who has been instrumental in shaping India’s independent music scene, highlighted that ‘I-POPSTAR’ isn’t just a show, but a “journey of learning, experimenting, and growing as an artist.”