Finalists named in MTV India’s first GCC Next Big Thing competition

Dhruv, one of the local bands shortlisted for MTV India’s Next Big Thing. Courtesy IndiaCast

The successful finalists competing in MTV India’s first GCC-wide talent search have been named for the first time.

Following a gruelling round of auditions, 13 acts have been selected to compete onstage at a series of live concerts in Dubai.

Three semi-finals will take place at The Music Room every Saturday from November 7, with the best performers called back for the grand final on December 2.

A total of 83 bands and solo acts entered the audition stages of the competition, which is aimed at expats from the subcontinent.

“It was a tough decision to make,” said audition judge and Dubai DJ Shadow. “These shortlisted artists stood out because of their freshness and their ability to keep the audience entertained.”

The shortlisted bands include Rooh, Steel, Rajiv & Johan, Sur Aikhtalaf, Raag Addiction, Dhruv and Mohsin & Shahid and solo artists include Muhammed Zeeshan, Irawati Mulmule, Ricky George, Ranjini Hannah, Vaibhav Saxena and Morries Mana.

Each act will now be tutored by musician/actor and contest judge Luke Kenny and the MTV India team.

Check who will perform when below - all gigs start at 9pm and a free to the public:

November 7 – Steel, Vaibhav, Muhammed Zeeshan and The Scene

November 14 – Rajiv and Johan, Sur Aikhtlaf, Irawati, Ricky and Morries

November 21 – Raaga Addiction, Dhruv, Ranjini and Rooh

December 2 – Grand final, plus live set from judge Luke Kenny