Tej Kumar Rai won the first edition of ‘Khotang Idol’, a singing competition conducted among youths in Khotang district. Sixteen-year-old Rai won the title by defeating other five competitors, who made it to the final that was held at Saraswati Secondary School in Diktel, Khotang on Saturday.  Winner Rai got Rs 54,574.

Pariwartan Nepal, the organizer of ‘Khotang Idol’, stated that, Rai has got an opportunity to learn music for six months and record his song.  E-City Mobile Center of Diktel handed over a Motorola mobile set to Rai, who is currently studying in Grade 9 in Mount Everest Boarding School.

Rohit Chamling and Amita Rai became first and second runner up of the competition respectively. Rohit and Amita were rewarded with Rs 24,574 and Rs 10,574 respectively and both of them have got a chance to learn music and record their songs.  Suman Rai and Deepa Rai became fourth and fifth of the competition respectively. ‘Khotang Idol’ was organized with a view to identify and promote hidden talent of youths in the remote district. Audition of ‘Khotang Idol’ started on 9 December, 2017 and ended on 31 December, 2017. A total of 167 contestants were selected from the first audition that was held on eight different rural municipalities and two municipalities in Khotang.

Different singers including top eight contestants of ‘Nepal Idol’ Ulsan Shrestha and Singer Rewet Rai entertained the audience in the final audition.