The sudden departure of Pakistan Idol contestant M Ibrar Shahid has sparked the show’s first major controversy of the season, igniting debate among viewers and raising questions about backstage practices. Shahid, a Top 16 contestant and student of the National College of Arts (NCA), abruptly quit during the December 9 shoot and later released a detailed video outlining his grievances.
In the video, he described the production environment as “unfair, discouraging, and emotionally damaging,” asserting that his decision to leave was entirely his own and that he would not be appearing in upcoming episodes.
Shahid recounted what he called the “final straw,” explaining that he had publicly commented on a Pakistan Idol-uploaded performance clip, stating the audio had been overly autotuned to the point that it no longer resembled his real voice. Following this, he claimed he faced sustained pressure from the team to remove his comment.
He further alleged that the production never truly wanted him on the show and that the environment had become creatively stifling. According to Shahid, he was warned against speaking to the media and told he could face legal consequences if he went public.
He accused the team of exploiting contestants and scripting elements of the show, though he praised the judges and expressed dismay at how the situation had affected his supporters.
In response, Pakistan Idol categorically denied the allegations, calling them “false, misleading, and defamatory.” The production team asserted that the show maintains strict standards of governance, integrity, and fairness, and that all processes—from auditions to broadcast—adhere to guidelines set by Fremantle, owners of the global Idol franchise.
They said Shahid’s remarks undermine the professionalism of those involved and confirmed that he had withdrawn voluntarily. The team added that the matter is being handled through appropriate legal avenues. As fans react with mixed opinions, it remains unclear whether the controversy will fade or fuel broader conversations about transparency in reality TV.
