They came, they sang, and they conquered a million hearts on Sony Entertainment Televisions’ Indian Idol Season 12! Celebrating music and the talented participants of this season, Indian Idol Season 12 culminated with a 12-hour musical extravaganza in the form of The Greatest Finale Ever. As the entire country waited with bated breath to know who from amongst the Top 6 finalists will be declared as the winner, Pawandeep Rajan from Champawat, Uttarakhand was announced as the season winner and lifted the coveted Indian Idol trophy. 

The winner, Pawandeep, was awarded a cheque of Rs. 25 lakhs from Sony Entertainment Television and a Maruti Suzuki Swift car. From the Top 6 finalists, Arunita Kanjilal and Sayli Kamble were declared as the first and second runners-up respectively and were awarded a cheque of Rs. 5 lakhs respectively. The third and the fourth runners-up, Mohd. Danish and Nihal Tauro were awarded a cheque of Rs. 3 lakhs respectively. All the Top 6 finalists received a cheque of Rs. 75,000 from Raj Superwhite Soap followed by gift hampers from Colgate and Denver respectively.

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The versatile and effervescent Pawandeep, who outdid himself each time with every performance constantly, strived to learn and grow throughout the show. According to Pawandeep, an artist needs a platform through which he can showcase his talent to everyone and Indian Idol is one such great platform. With so much love and adulation coming his way, Pawandeep has surpassed everyone’s expectations. From performing in front of music industry veterans to celebrities and regaling them with mesmerizing performances, Pawandeep now looks forward to a bright future ahead.

In a statement, Pawandeep said, "Being a part of Indian Idol Season 12 was a dream come true and then being a part of Top 6 was just wonderous. Winning the title of Indian Idol Season 12 is just unbelievable for me. I still feel like I’m dreaming and cannot come to terms with reality. It’s still sinking in. This is such a big honour for me. I’d like to thank all my fans and the viewers who have voted for me and made me win this honourable title. I would like to take this opportunity to thank everyone who has been a part of my journey on Indian Idol. From the makers to the musicians, our coaches and my fellow contestants, this trophy belongs to all of you. Thank you Indian Idol and the citizens of India. This feeling is the best and thank you so much."

Judge Anu Malik added, "Indian Idol has been one of the longest-running reality shows and I’m glad to be a part of it. The Greatest Finale Ever has been the most appropriate way to culminate this amazing run and Pawandeep has won the title. Everyone from the Top 6 have been highly deserving. Pawandeep from day 1 has shown versatility and we have seen him grow. I personally cannot wait to see the success that will follow his way."
 
Judge Sonu Kakkar shared, "This season of Indian Idol has been epic, without any doubts. The anticipation of who will be the winner has kept us curious but as the Greatest Finale Ever culminated, we got this year’s winner in Pawandeep. I’m so happy for him. He is one of the most deserving contestants. His graph has been so good. All the Top 6 contestants have been great. I only wish a lot of success, love and happiness to all of them for their future endeavours."

 
Himesh Reshammiya told, "The pool of talent that Indian Idol has witnessed this season is mind-blowing. From the start of this season, the show has been setting records. All the contestants were gems in their own way. The race for the Top 6 has been a glorious journey to witness. I’d like to congratulate Pawandeep who’s been awarded this title of the winner of Indian Idol 12. He has shown diversity in his singing and it’s been amazing to watch his performances live. I wish him all the best for the future and hope to collaborate soon."