Neha Kakkar is all set to return as a mentor on the upcoming second season of I-POPSTAR Vol. 2, and for the singer, the show is also a chance to discover and guide a fresh set of musical voices. Talking about what makes the show different, Neha says the biggest highlight for her is that the artists are not just performers but also creators who write, compose and sing their own songs.

“This is actually new for me because I-POPSTAR Vol. 2 is a completely new setup for me. I have judged several shows before and all of them have been amazing in their own way, but what makes I-POPSTAR special is that the artists create their own songs. They write, compose and perform them,” she says.

According to Neha, the format gives young musicians the opportunity to push themselves creatively as they are expected to come up with new music regularly. She feels mentoring artists through this process will be an exciting experience.

Talking about the kind of talent she would like to see on the show, Neha says she is looking for genuine artists. “Genuine talent is very difficult to find. It is almost a blessing from God. The first thing I would look for in a singer is their voice texture. For me, voice texture is very important, followed by their singing and the kind of confidence they bring when they perform,” she says.

For Neha, being a good artist is not the only thing that matters. She also wants the contestants to be good human beings. “I feel that if a good human being moves forward, it creates a positive atmosphere around them. So I would love for the artists to be good human beings as well,” she adds.

The singer also addressed the period when fans felt she was not releasing music as frequently as before. Neha says it was a conscious decision on her part. “I wasn’t releasing music for a while, but I have started releasing songs again. I had personally taken a step back because I wanted to come back with a bang, like a lion,” she says.

Now, with new music coming in and her return to I-POPSTAR Vol. 2, Neha is looking forward to another musical chapter while hoping that the artists on the show get the same love and recognition. She adds that seeing their songs trend would be the biggest win for her and the show.