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Pakistan Idol has been hit with its first major controversy of the season after one of its Top 16 contestants, M Ibrar Shahid, abruptly quit the show and took to social media with a detailed video accusing the production of creating an “unfair, discouraging, and emotionally damaging” environment. Pakistan Idol has denied his claims.

Shahid, a National College of Arts (NCA) student who quickly became a fan favourite, said he left the set “by my own choice” during a December 9 shoot — and would not be appearing in upcoming episodes.

In a lengthy video shared online, he walked viewers through what he described as the “final straw.”

“Today is December 9, and we had a shoot. But you will not see me in the forthcoming episodes because I left the set today,” he began, explaining that he had filmed his entire journey to the studio that day. “Pakistan Idol had uploaded a video of me, under which I commented saying this was not my real voice. It was heavily autotuned, so much so that it didn’t sound like me anymore.”

According to Shahid, what followed was a wave of pressure from the team. “A lot of people called and told me to take down my comment… since day one they didn’t want to keep me in Pakistan Idol. I don’t know why. Is it my fault that I want to make good music?”

He claimed the “person helming the show” even warned him of potential legal action if he spoke publicly or to the media. “But I will talk, and I will tell everyone the truth,” he said, alleging that the team “exploited” contestants and had already “disqualified all the good contestants”.

Shahid added that the experience had shattered his trust. “Everything you see on camera is a facade. And I can’t act. None of my performances have been scripted — unlike Pakistan Idol,” he claimed. While he praised the judges as “great,” he said the production’s alleged behaviour had “broken” him and disheartened those supporting him, including his teachers and peers at NCA.

“I know the step I’ve taken is going to create problems for me… but now you guys wait and see the power of the people,” he concluded.

Pakistan Idol calls allegations ‘false, misleading, and defamatory’

In a statement shared with Images, the team behind Pakistan Idol has denied Shahid’s allegations and characterised his claims as an attempt to “cast aspersions” on the show’s credibility.

“Pakistan Idol upholds the highest standards of governance, integrity, transparency, and fairness in every stage of the competition,” the statement read.

“All allegations questioning the credibility of the show, its processes, or its contestants are treated with utmost seriousness, and the company will take all legally permissible steps to safeguard its reputation, the format, and the interests of all contestants.”

The statement emphasised that the show follows “audio and visual production standards prescribed by Fremantle, the international format owners of the global Idol franchise,” and that all stages — from auditions to broadcast — adhere to “globally benchmarked guidelines”.

Terming Shahid’s remarks “false, misleading, and defamatory,” the statement said they unfairly undermine “the professionalism of the production team, the integrity of the judging process, and the hard work of fellow contestants competing in good faith”.

It added that the contestant had “voluntarily withdrawn,” and that the situation was “under full control,” with the matter being addressed through “appropriate legal channels”.

A cause for concern?

While Pakistan Idol is no stranger to high emotions — like any reality competition — a public walkout paired with accusations of manipulation and threats has jolted fans, who’ve been taking to Shahid’s comments section to share polarising views.

Whether this is all just backstage drama that’ll fizzle out, or a bigger conversation waiting to happen is yet to be seen. For now, Pakistan Idol insists the platform remains “fair, transparent, respectful, and opportunity-driven”.