# Myanmar Idol

Myanmar Idol is a popular Myanmar singing contest television series that is broadcast on MNTV. Its first season, in 2015, was described by The Myanmar Times as a "wild success". Due to its popularity, it has been extended for a fifth season in 2020. Since Season 3, the competition format has utilized a wild card during the top 4+1 show.

## Judges

* Ye Lay (1)
* Chan Chan (1)
* May Sweet (1, 2)
* Myanmar Pyi Thein Tan (2, 3)
* Tin Zar Maw (2, 3, 4)
* Yan Aung (3)
* Myo Kyawt Myaing (3)
* Aung Ko Latt (4)
* Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein (4)

## Winners

* Saw Lah Htaw Wah (Season 1)
* Thar Nge (Season 2)
* Phyo Myat Aung (Season 3)
* Esther Dawt Chin Sung (Season 4)

## Episodes

Season 1
* Main article: Myanmar Idol (season 1)
Season 2
* Main article: Myanmar Idol (season 2)
Season 3
* Main article: Myanmar Idol (season 3)
Season 4
* Main article: Myanmar Idol (season 4)

## Series overview

Following the success of American Idol and other IDOL series, Shwe Thanlwin created a Myanmar version of the series with identical formats and methods. Broadcast on Myanmar Network TV on Sky Net, it grew to be more popular than Dream Encounters (အိပ်မက်ဆုံရာ) and Melody World, which were once the most popular singing competition series in Myanmar.

### Host and judges

The inaugural season of Myanmar Idol featured 3 judges: Burmese singers Ye Lay, Chan Chan and May Sweet. Since then, various combinations of 3 to 4 judges, including Tin Zar Maw, Myo Kyawt Myaing, Myanmar Pyi Thein Tan, Yan Aung, Aung Ko Latt, and Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein, have served in the judge panel. The show has been hosted by Kyaw Htet Aung since Season 1.
| Hosts / Judges | Seasons | Seasons | Seasons | Seasons |
| Hosts / Judges | 1 (2015-2016) | 2 (2016-2017) | 3 (2018) | 4 (2019) |
| Hosts |||||
| Kyaw Htet Aung | | | | |
| Judges |||||
| Chan Chan | | | | |
| Ye Lay | | | | |
| May Sweet | | | | |
| Myanmar Pyi Thein Than | | | | |
| Tin Zar Maw | | | | |
| Myo Kyawt Myaing | | | | |
| Yan Aung | | | | |
| Aung Ko Latt | | | | |
| Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein | | | | |

### Season 1

In 2015, the first Myanmar Idol season held auditions in four major cities: Yangon, Mandalay, Pathein and Taunggyi. The series judges, Ye Lay, Chan Chan and May Sweet chose the Top 11 finalists. After further stages, the Top 3 finalists, Saw Lah Htaw Wah, M Zaw Rain and Hninzi May advanced to the Grand Final Show, where Saw Lah Htaw Wah became Myanmar Idol winner of the first season.

### Season 2

Season 2, in 2016, featured Tin Zar Maw, Myanmar Pyi Thein Tan and May Sweet as judges; with auditions held in 5 major cities, Yangon, Mandalay, Naypyidaw, Taunggyi and Hpa-An, and bus auditions also held in other towns. Later in the series, the judges decided who would be in the Final Top 10, and, after further stages, the series advanced to the Grand Final Show held on 25 March 2017, where the two finalists, Thar Nge and Billy La Min Aye, competed with three songs. With the voting results of the whole country counted, Thar Nge was announced winner of the second season.

### Season 3

During Season 3, in 2018, two new judges, Yan Aung and Myo Kyawt Myaing, joined Myanmar Pyi Thein Tan and Tin Zar Maw. After progressing to the Grand Final, ChanMyae MgCho was unable to participate due to illness. Phyo Myat Aung won the third season of Myanmar Idol. Zawgyi came back a wild card during the semi-finals.
Top 11 Finalists are Phyo Myat Aung, ChanMyae MgCho, Zaw Gyi, Ngwe Zin Hlaing, Nay Khant Min Thit, Nilen Parmawi, May Madi, Pyae Phyo, Naw Jas, Nan Shwe Yee, Swan Pyae Aung.

### Season 4

Season 4 of Myanmar Idol was aired on Channel 9. The judges were Tin Zar Maw, Phyu Phyu Kyaw Thein and Aung Ko Latt. Benjamin Sum, Aye Mya Phyu, Esther Dawt Chin Sung, Yaw Kee, Htet Inzali, Naw Say Say Htoo, Nay Lin Kyaw, Chuu Sitt Han, Hninn Ei Ei Win, Tan Khun Kyaw and Saw Chris Moo Ler are the top 11 finalists. Tan Khun Kyaw returned to the semi-finals with the Channel-9 wild card. Chu Sit Han, Nay Lin Kyaw, Hninn Ei Ei Win, Tan Khun Kyaw, Htet Inzali, Naw Say Say Htoo and Yaw Kee were nominated for the Channel 9 Wild Card. The finalists were Benjamin Sum, Aye Mya Phyu and Esther Dawt Chin Sung to complete the grand final. The grand final (as usual) was located in Hexagon Complex, and voting was available after the top 4+1 result show from that day (20-12-2019) to (28-12-2019) and the GRAND FINAL was aired in Channel 9 and the time was 20:30. Esther Dawt Chin Sung won the fourth season of Myanmar Idol and the first girl winner of Myanmar Idol.

## Season details

| Season | Year | Finale date | Winner | Runner Up(s) | Other contestants | Number of contestants |
| 1 | 2015-2016 | 8 April 2016 | Saw Lah Htaw Wah | M Zaw Rain, Hnin Zi May | Sophia Everest, Zaw Min Oo, Saw Htet Naing Soe, May Kyi, Aung Tayza Kyaw, Khine Thazin Thin, Aung Pyae Tun, Rio | 11 |
| 2 | 2016-2017 | 25 March 2017 | Thar Nge | Billy La Min Aye | Poe Mi, Mai Mai Seng, Ye Naung, Zin Gyi, Chan Nyein, Yoon, Phyu Lay, A Mi Zan | 10 |
| 3 | 2018 | 11 August 2018 | Phyo Myat Aung | ChanMyae MgCho | Nan Shwe Yee, Swan Pyae Aung, Nilen, Ngwe Zin Hlaing, Naw Jas, May Madi, Pyae Phyo, Zawgyi, Nay Khant Min Thit | 11 |
| 4 | 2019 | 28 December 2019 | Esther Dawt Chin Sung | Aye Mya Phyu, Benjamin Sum | Moo Ler, Nay Lin Kyaw, Hnin Ei Ei Win, Htet Inzali, Chu Sit Han, Tan Khun Kyaw, Naw Say Say Htoo, Yaw Kee | 11 |

## Finalists

Finalists
(With Final Competition) :
| Season 1 | (2015–16) | Final Competition Week | Last Competition Song(s) | Remark | Audition | Voting Number |
| Saw Lah Htaw Wah | Winner | Grand Final | Du Ta Ya Min Thi Naing Ma Lar Dan Yar Maet A Nar | | Yangon | 7 |
| M Zaw Rain | Runner Up | Grand Final | Nout Sone Yin Kwin Min Thi Naing Ma Lar A Chit Oo Zat Lan | | Taunggyi | 1 |
| Ninzi May | Runner Up | Grand Final | A Chit Htat Ma Ka Min Thi Naing Ma Lar Bal Thu Koe Lout Chit Tha Lal | | Yangon | 3 |
| Sophia Everest | | Top 4 +1: Composer Saung Oo Hlaing's Songs Week | A Chit Ma Shi Nay Yat Myar | She was saved by judges in No. 1 Hit Songs Week. Double eliminations because May Kyi came back with Pantene Wild Card in Cinematic Songs Week. | Yangon | 8 |
| Zaw Min Oo | | Top 5 + 1: Cinematic Songs Week | Nha Yout Ta Ein Mat | | Mandalay | 11 |
| Saw Htet Naing Soe | | Top 6: Summer Season Songs Week | Nway Mhat Tan | | Taunggyi | 2 |
| May Kyi | | Top 4 + 1: Composer Saung Oo Hlaing's Songs Week (with Pantene Wild Card) | A Mharr Myarr | Double eliminations because she came back with Pantene Wild Card in Cinematic Songs Week. | Taunggyi | 10 |
| May Kyi | | Top 7: Rock Week | A Twin Kyay | She was Pantene Wild Card Winner and came back in Cinematic Songs Week. | Taunggyi | 10 |
| Aung Tay Zar Kyaw | | Top 8 + 1: Htoo Ein Thin's Songs Week | Yar Za Win Myar Yae Tha Doe Tha Mee | Double eliminations because Sophia Everest was saved by judges in No. 1 Hit Songs Week. | Mawlamyine | 9 |
| Khine Thazin Thin | | Top 8 + 1: Htoo Ein Thin's Songs Week | Nar Yee Paw Mha Myat Yae Sat Myar | Double eliminations because Sophia Everest was saved by judges in No. 1 Hit Songs Week. | Yangon | 6 |
| | | Top 9: No. 1 Hit Songs Week | | No elimination because Sophia Everest was saved by judges. | | |
| Aung Pyae Tun | | Top 10: Famous Songs of 1980 Week | Pyout Sone Nay Thaw Naitban Bone | | Mandalay | 4 |
| Rio | | Top 11: Favourite Songs Week | Thu Nge Chin A Twat | | Yangon | 5 |
| Season 2 | (2016–17) | Final Competition Week | Last Competition Song(s) | Remark | Audition | Voting Number |
| Thar Nge | Winner | Grand Final | D Lan Ka Lay Lan Kwel Zat Taw Htel Mhar A Lwan Sone | | Mandalay | 2 |
| Billy La Min Aye | Runner Up | Grand Final | D Lan Ka Lay Phayar Suu A Chit Myar Lat Saung | | Taunggyi | 9 |
| Poe Mi | | Top 3: Encouraging Songs Week | Yone Kyi Yar | She was saved by judges in Duet Songs Week. | Yangon | 6 |
| Mai Mai Seng | | Top 4 + 1: Blue Music Week | Paris Myo Ko Pyan U Twar | Double eliminations because Zin Gyi came back with Pantene Wild Card. | Mandalay | 4 |
| Ye Naung | | Top 5: No. 1 Hit Songs Week | A Yin Ka Zat Lan Lay | | Yangon | 1 |
| Zin Gyi | | Top 4 + 1: Blue Music Week (with Pantene Wild Card) | A May Yal Dokka Ow Lay | Double eliminations because he came back with Pantene Wild Card. But he was eliminated again in the same week. | Taunggyi | 3 |
| Zin Gyi | | Top 6: Academy Win Oo Week | Maung Toe Chal Yi Myay | *Golden Disc (May Sweet) Winner He was Pantene Wild Card winner and came back in Blue Music Week. | Taunggyi | 3 |
| Chan Nyein | | Top 7 + 1: Back to Rock Week | A Dade Pae Shi Taw Thu | Double eliminations because Poe Mi was saved by judges in Duet Songs Week. | Yangon | 5 |
| Yoon | | Top 7 + 1: Back to Rock Week | Pa Hta Ma Chay Hlenn | Double eliminations because Poe Mi was saved by judges in Duet Songs Week. | Taunggyi | 10 |
| | | Top 8: Duet Songs Week | | No elimination because Poe Mi was saved by judges. | | |
| Phyu Lay | | Top 9: Famous Songs of 1990 Week | 25 Minutes | | Mandalay | 8 |
| A Mi Zan | | Top 10: Favourite Songs Week | Myaw Lint Chin Kwin Pyin | | Hpa-An | 7 |
| Season 3 | (2018) | Final Competition Week | Last Competition Song(s) | Remark | Audition | Voting Number |
| Phyo Myat Aung | Winner | Grand Final | Nhoat Sat Chain Ma Ma Ko Chit Tal Tint A Twat Ma Nat Phyan | | Pathein | 7 |
| ChanMyae MgCho | | Grand Final | Tint A Twat Ma Nat Phyan | Withdrew from competition on Grand Final due to health problem | Yangon | 11 |
| Nay Khant Min Thit | | Top 4 + 1: Jazz Week | Thu A Twat Tay Kabyar | He was saved by judges in Latin Week. Double eliminations because Zaw Gyi came back with Pantene Wild Card. | Yangon | 10 |
| Ngwe Zin Hline | | Top 4 + 1: Jazz Week | Inya Mhar Sone Soe Kwel | Double eliminations because Zaw Gyi came back with Pantene Wild Card. | Yangon | 4 |
| Zaw Gyi | | Top 3: Hit Songs and Duet with Star Week (with Pantene Wild Card) | Lo Tha Lo Thone Ta Yout Htal Ngo Mel (with Jewel) | | Yangon | 9 |
| Zaw Gyi | | Top 5 + 1: Rock Week | Arr Lone Pyan Yuu Thwar Par | Double eliminations because Nay Khant Min Thit was saved by judges in Latin Week. He was Pantene Wild Card winner and came back in Jazz Week. | Yangon | 9 |
| Nilen Parmawi | | Top 5 + 1: Rock Week | Tate Pine Tae Minn | Double eliminations because Nay Khant Min Thit was saved by judges in Latin Week. | Yangon | 3 |
| | | Top 6: Latin Week | | No elimination because Nay Khant Min Thit was saved by judges. | | |
| May Madi | | Top 7: Raining Season Songs Week | Moe Thae Htae Mhar | | Taunggyi | 6 |
| Pyae Phyo | | Top 8: Khine Htoo Week | Hnin Wai Tae Saung | | Yangon | 8 |
| Nan Shwe Yee | | Top 10: Retro Night Week | Eait Say Ma Shi | Double eliminations | Yangon | 1 |
| Naw Jasmine | | Top 10: Retro Night Week | Htein Choke Thu | Double eliminations | Yangon | 5 |
| Swan Pyae Aung | | Top 11: My Idol Week | A Mone Phwe Tay | | Mandalay | 2 |
| Season 4 | (2019) | Final Competition Week | Last Competition Song(s) | Remark | Audition | Voting Number |
| Esther Dawt Chin Sung | Winner | Grand Final | Cin Sarr Mhar Pop Thit Sar Ma Pyat Kyay A Phyu Yaung | | Yangon | 8 |
| Aye Mya Phyu | Runner Up | Grand Final | Lar Mae Nhit Mhar Yee Sar Htarr Mel Pin Tine San A Twet A Chit Yae A Lin Yaung A Phyu Yaung | | Yangon | 11 |
| Benjamin Sum | Runner Up | Grand Final | Ma Ma Chit Lo Ma Pyit Mask (Myet Nhar Phone) A Phyu Yaung | | Yangon | 2 |
| Moo Ler | | Top 4 +1: Cinematic Songs and Encouraging Songs Week | Ma Pyoe Thi Moe Tan Ma Ni Late Pyar (Iron Butterfly) | Double eliminations because Tan Khun Kyaw came back with Channel 9 Wild Card. | Yangon | 10 |
| Yaw Kee | | Top 5: No. 1 Hit Songs Week | Ma Shi Taut Buu | | Yangon | 1 |
| Naw Say Say Htoo | | Top 6: Winter Season Songs Week | Saung Eain Mat | She was saved by judges in Rock Week. | Hpa-An | 3 |
| Htet Inzali | | Top 7: Soe Lwin Lwin Week | Nge Nge Tone Ka Htet Po Chit Mae | | Yangon | 6 |
| Tan Khun Kyaw | | Top 4 +1: Cinematic Songs and Encouraging Songs Week (with Channel 9 Wild Card) | Ta Pyi Thu Ma Shwe Htar Kabar Myay Nyein Chan Par Say | Double eliminations because he came back with Channel 9 Wild Card. But he was eliminated again in the same week. | Mandalay | 4 |
| Tan Khun Kyaw | | Top 8: Country Week | Yangon Thar | He was Channel 9 Wild Card winner and came back in Cinematic Songs and Encouraging Songs Week. | Mandalay | 4 |
| Hnin Ei Ei Win | | Top 9 + 1: Yangon University Songs Week | Ta Chain Tone Ca Tet Ka Tho | Double eliminations because Naw Say Say Htoo was saved by judges. | Yangon | 7 |
| Nay Lin Kyaw | | Top 9 + 1: Yangon University Songs Week | Kant Kaw Wai Da Nar | Double eliminations because Naw Say Say Htoo was saved by judges. | Yangon | 9 |
| | | Top 10: Rock Week | | No elimination because Naw Say Say Htoo was saved by judges. | | |
| Chuu Sitt Han | | Top 11: Favourite Songs Week | Cherry Lenn | | Yangon | 5 |