Who Is Indian Idol 16 Winner Jyotirmayee Nayak? Prize Money, Age and Grand Finale Highlights

After a remarkable 10-month journey filled with powerful performances, Odisha's Jyotirmayee Nayak emerged as the winner of Indian Idol 16, making history and taking home the winner's trophy along with a ₹20 lakh cash prize.

10-month fight... Jyotirmayee is the new Indian Idol 16 king

The winner of the super popular singing reality show 'Indian Idol Season 16' is finally out! After a long 10-month competition, 24-year-old Jyotirmayee Nayak from Odisha has won the title. She wowed everyone with her amazing songs in the grand finale and lifted the 'Indian Idol 16' trophy. As the winner, she received the trophy and a cash prize of Rs. 20 lakh. Tanishk Shukla from Jabalpur was the runner-up. Shreya Ghoshal, Vishal Dadlani, and Badshah judged this season, which had the theme ‘Yaadonki Playlist’ and was a huge hit with the audience.

Healing with music therapy... credits cancer patients for her win

Jyotirmayee is from Baunsanal village in Odisha's Nilagiri block. She completed her B.Tech from KIIT University. Professionally, she is a qualified music therapist. She has worked to bring relief to cancer patients and pregnant women through her music. She says the blessings of her cancer patients are the reason for her victory. 'They were very happy when I sang for them. They hoped to see me on Indian Idol. I am here today because of their blessings,' she said emotionally. She has also made a record as the first woman from Odisha to win the Indian Idol title.

Stunning performances... praised by celebrities

In the grand finale, Jyotirmayee competed against Anshika Chonkar, Manraj Veer Singh, Maisamma Bosu, Suhail Sufi, and Tanishk Shukla to become the winner. Her performance on the song 'Saiyaan O Saiyaan' captivated everyone. Earlier, she received a standing ovation from Bollywood's Dream Girl Hema Malini for her rendition of 'O Jab Tak Hai Jaan'. Senior actress Leena Chandavarkar also got emotional listening to her sing 'Jaane Kyun Log Mohabbat Kiya Karte Hai'. Celebrities like Usha Uthup, Udit Narayan, Papon, Kumar Sanu, Shehnaaz Gill, and Urmila Matondkar lit up the finale.

Aiming to become a playback singer in Bollywood

Jyotirmayee, who came to Mumbai on September 14, spoke about her nearly year-long journey. "I came here only to give my best. I never thought about the prize money, so I haven't decided what to do with it yet," she said. She added that she reached this stage because of her parents' support and her future goal is to establish herself as a good playback singer in Bollywood. Judge Shreya Ghoshal commented that Jyotirmayee's journey is an inspiration for many and wished her well, saying this is just the beginning of her musical journey.