Bhubaneswar: Odisha has a new singing sensation. Jyotirmayee Nayak from the state has won the title of Indian Idol Season 16 after a grand finale that brought the curtain down on months of music, emotion and competition.
The Sony TV singing reality show, which premiered in October 2025 with the theme ‘Yaadon Ki Playlist’, concluded on a high note with spectacular performances by the finalists, judges and special guests.
Jyotirmayee walked away with the winner’s trophy and a cash prize of Rs 20 lakh. Throughout the season she won hearts with her soulful renditions. From Bollywood numbers like ‘O Jab Tak Hai Jaan Jaane Jahan Main Nachungi’ and ‘Jaane Kyun Log Mohabbat Kiya Karte Hain’ to more than a hundred Odia album songs that made her a household name in Odisha, her versatility became her biggest strength.
The race to the finale saw six top contestants — Anshika Chonkar, Jyotirmayee Nayak, Manraj Veer Singh, Myscmme Bosu, Suhail Sufi and Tanishk Shukla. After the Spotlight Round, Myscmme Bosu was eliminated. In the final vote, Anshika Chonkar and Suhail Sufi missed out and had to settle for Rs 3 lakh each.
The final battle was between Jyotirmayee, Manraj Veer Singh and Tanishk Shukla, with Jyotirmayee emerging on top.An emotional Jyotirmayee said the win felt surreal. She thanked Sony Entertainment Television, Fremantle, judges, host Aditya Narayan, the crew, and most importantly her family and fans for standing by her.
“This trophy is not just mine, it belongs to everyone who believed in me and voted for me,” she said, adding that she hopes to keep making music that touches hearts and makes everyone proud.
The finale was made even more special with appearances by music legends Usha Uthup, Udit Narayan, Kumar Sanu, Papon, and actors Shehnaaz Gill and Urmila Matondkar who joined in the celebrations.With this win, Jyotirmayee Nayak becomes the latest voice from Odisha to shine on the national stage, carrying the melodies of her state to millions of homes across the country.
