“Returning to Indian Idol Telugu Season 3 as a wildcard entry is an incredible experience. Being on this platform feels like a dream come true. I’ve always wanted to perform on a big stage, having followed Indian Idol in Telugu, Hindi, and English. Earlier, I flew to India for auditions in the middle of my 12th-grade final exams in the USA, and then I returned to finish my schooling. Now, I’m preparing to attend Berklee College of Music, where I can fully pursue music as a full time education.

My parents moved to the USA 18 years ago, and I also have a younger sister. Despite living abroad, my family’s roots are deeply embedded in Indian culture, especially Telugu traditions. My parents encouraged me to embrace our heritage through music, which shaped my journey. Growing up in the USA, I was exposed to a variety of music styles, from Indian classical to Western pop, rock, and jazz. This diverse exposure allowed me to develop a unique musical style that blends my Indian roots with my American experiences. Artists like Aretha Franklin, Asha Bhosle, AR Rahman, and Charlie Puth have been major influences on my music.

My mother was my first teacher, introducing me to Sanskrit and Bhagavad Gita slokas. At just three years old, I won my first prize in a Gita chanting competition, which ignited my passion for music. My parents supported me in learning Carnatic music, which I continue to study alongside Western genres like pop and jazz. I also have a passion for songwriting; I recently released a single on Spotify that I sang, composed, and produced. At Berklee, I gained experience in music production and composition, which opened doors for me to sing in Telugu films and compose music for short films and animation projects.

Performing in bands as a lead singer further expanded my musical experience which have enhanced my singing and overall performance. I have also learnt to play guitar and piano along with my singing journey. My performances in school choirs was also significant; I was the only student from my school to qualify for the national choir. At Berklee, I had the opportunity to sing in the Hebrew language.

My experience on Indian Idol Telugu has been nothing short of incredible. Performing in front of the esteemed judges and mentors I’ve admired since my childhood was surreal. Their feedback has been invaluable, driving me to constantly improve and give my best. I’m incredibly grateful for my gurus, especially Ramachary Sir, whose guidance has been instrumental in my growth as a musician. Being on this stage is a blessing, and I’m eager to continue learning from the esteemed judges and mentors.

Through my participation in Telugu Indian Idol Season 3, I intend to showcase my musical abilities and connect with a broader audience. This platform has provided me with the opportunity to refine my craft and gain a deeper understanding of the music industry. It’s an honor to be a part of this journey, and I look forward to merging my musical influences with my studies at Berklee to create a lasting impact.

To my fellow music enthusiasts, I would say to Embrace your roots, explore different genres, and never compare yourself to others. Every challenge is an opportunity to grow. Keep pushing forward with passion and dedication, and surround yourself with supportive teachers, family, and friends. And remember, comparison is the enemy of creativity—just focus on doing your best every single day.”

• Abhigna Yanaganti, Telugu Indian Idol Season 3 contestant