Frequently Asked Questions

Global Musical Icon features a unique hybrid format. It consists of two rounds:

• Public Choice Round: Online — Participants submit a 3-minute performance video, which is shared on Shuddh Desi Radio's social media platforms.

• Finale Round: In person — Finalists perform live on stage in front of judges and a live audience.

• Each participant gets an opportunity to compete in both Public Choice as well as the Finale Round.

• Cleveland, Ohio Participants only, judges will evaluate by reviewing each video submitted for the public choice round to determine who advances to the Finale Round on May 17, 2025. There will be email notification sent to the participants that advance to the finale round.

Participants can compete in five categories:

• Voice (Hindi/Regional )

• Voice (English)

• Musical Instruments

• Dance

• Public Speaking

However, Voice English, Musical Instruments and Public Speaking categories are not open for Senior age group.

Each city has its own timeline. Check the Schedule Page for submission deadlines and announcement dates.

Participants must adhere to the guidelines outlined on our Rules Page. Key points include:

• Submit an original, unedited and well-practiced performance within 3 minute time limit. Performance video can be less than 3 min but can not exceed the time limit.

• Ensure the video is clear and audible.

• Respect the deadline for both rounds. See your city's Schedule here.

• Follow the category-specific requirements.

• Public Speaking participants choose from the topics given on the bottom of the About GMI Page only.

Judges evaluate performances based on factors such as:

• Talent & Skill: Technical ability and creativity

• Stage Presence: Confidence and engagement

• Originality: Uniqueness and personal expression

• Audience Impact: Connection with viewers (for the live round)

For full details, visit our Judging Criteria Page.

Yes! Participants can compete in multiple talent categories, such as Voice, Dance, Musical Instruments, and Public Speaking.

While registering, participants get the option of registering for multiple categories. The multi category discount of additional 10% is available only when registration for multiple categories is done at the same time. If the participant registers for these categories or at different times, the discount is not available.

Registration form calculates the age by the date of birth filled on the form.

Participants are divided into three age groups:

• Junior: 5 to 10 years

• Youth: 11 to 18 years

• Senior: 19 years and above

Finalists must perform live in the Finale Round to be eligible for the Judges’ Choice award. If you cannot attend, you will forfeit your spot. However, you may still be eligible for the Public Choice award based on your online video performance.

Winners receive trophies, certificates, and recognition on Shuddh Desi Radio’s platforms.

• Public Choice Winner: Recognition based on social media likes and views.

• Judges' Choice Winner: Selected by the panel for exceptional performance.

• Optional: Winners can be selected for an exclusive interview with Shuddh Desi Radio. ( Decision to be made by radio team upon evaluating various criteria.)

No. That's the beauty of Global Musical Icon.

There are two winners in each talent category and age group:

• 1 Public Choice Winner (based on social media engagement)

• 1 Judges’ Choice Winner (based on live/in person performance)

No. Once submitted, videos cannot be altered or replaced. Please review your submission carefully before sending it. Check the video submission guidelines listed on the bottom of the Rules Page.

No, topics are pre-selected to maintain fairness. Each age group has a set of interesting and relevant topics. Check the Public Speaking Topics on About GMI page for details.

We respect your privacy. However, social media engagement is integral to the Public Choice Round. If you prefer not to share your video publicly, you may participate only in the Finale Round, as applicable.

For Cleveland, OH participants, for anyone who doesn’t want their performance video to be posted on social media, the videos will still have to be submitted (its not posted on social media), however, sent to judges for their review and based on their decision/grading the participant will be allowed to participate in the Finale Round.

You can still register after the Early Bird period; however, standard registration fees will apply. Early Bird pricing ends 30 days after the GMI announcement for your city.

If you're facing technical issues, try the following:

• Use a laptop or desktop device.

• Check your internet connection.

• Ensure the file size and format meet the specified criteria.

• Clear your browser cache.

If problems persist, contact our support team via Contact Us Page.

• Public Choice Round: Finalists with the highest likes and views qualify.

• Finale Round: All the participants directly move to Finale. NO ELIMINATION!

• Exception For Cleveland Participants Only: Judges' evaluations determine who advances. You will receive an email if you qualified for the Finale round.

Yes, the Finale Round may be live-streamed on Shuddh Desi Radio’s social media platforms. Stay tuned for updates.

The registration fee covers participation in one category. There is service fee associated with each transaction. Additional fees may apply if you wish to compete in multiple categories. Participant is responsible for the registration fee for each talent category they wish to participate in. No additional costs or fees are involved after the registration fees are paid.

There might be a small fee to watch the competition. (This will be decided location wise)

Yes, even if you were not shortlisted for the Finale performance, you and your family is allowed to attend the event as spectators.

Winners for both Public choice and Finale Round will be announced and recognized on the day of the Finale Round of respective city. Check your city's Schedule here.

For further inquiries, visit our Contact Us Page or email us at info@shuddhdesiradio.com.