By Chenelle Fernando
Derana Dream Star Season 8 drew its conclusion on 8 March with its finale that took place at the Sugathadasa Indoor Stadium.
Going back in time, the competition was brought to life at a time frame when the concept of reality television had spread onto television networks worldwide, including that of Sri Lanka.
TV Derana Executive Producer Kelum Darshana shared that the initiation of a competition of this sort created healthy competition between television networks.
“Hence, we decided to start our own reality television programme,” he added. The first ever season premiered in 2008 received great initial response, despite the existence of other reality television programmes by other television networks, with a staggering 60,000 applications from the get-go.
Ever since its first season, it had journeyed a long way and is now a forerunner in the discovery of newfound musical talent.
As Darshana indicated, the contestants are provided with workshops starting from the final 72 all the way through to the finale round. The top 10, however, also receive guidance and voice training workshops conducted by patrons in the industry.
The competition has journeyed eight seasons over a period of 11 years.
Darshana said: “We don’t carry it out annually, but it takes place over a period of eight to ten months.”
Apart from the captivating performances by the finalists, performances by past winners as well as competitors continued to add colour to the night.