Singer Sajjad Ali has disclosed that contestants on Pakistan Idol are prohibited from performing his songs. This comes after negotiations over copyright rights with the show’s organisers failed.
During a recent press conference in Canada, the veteran musician shared that the show’s producers approached him to acquire performance rights for his music.
However, both parties could not reach a financial agreement.
He explained that the issue has resulted in a limited pool of licensed songs available to contestants.
Ali said: “Every contestant desired to sing our songs.” He noted that whoever performs his tracks usually receives overwhelming praise from both judges and the audience.
The singer added that the inability to secure rights for his music and for songs by other artists has affected the show’s overall creativity.
According to him, the organisers primarily obtained performance licenses from EMI Records, one of Pakistan’s oldest record labels.
It holds rights to works from legendary artists such as Noor Jehan, Mehdi Hassan, Nusrat Fateh Ali Khan, Strings, and Vital Signs.
Ali emphasised that this restriction was not personal but rather based on the legal framework that protects artists’ intellectual property.
The law grants creators exclusive rights to their work, meaning no one can publicly perform or adapt a song without permission.
Despite his explanation, Sajjad Ali’s remarks have sparked mixed reactions online.
Some social media users supported his stance on copyright ownership, while others criticised the decision as unfair to emerging singers.
One user wrote: “This is a very weird action.”
Another commented: “We respect you a lot, but this statement is unnecessary.”
Several commenters argued that music competitions should be a space for creativity and not restricted by such limitations.
A frustrated fan remarked: “Why didn’t you give the copyright claims?
“It’s a competition; contestants should be allowed to sing the song of their choice.”
Another added: “Why are they all so full of themselves? They know how hard it is in Pakistan to sing and make a career out of it.
“Why not have a heart and open it up for the new generation?”
In contrast, Falak Shabir took to Instagram to express support for Pakistan Idol, allowing contestants to perform any of his songs during the show.
He wrote: “I give Pakistan Idol permission to use all of my songs so that rising singers can have a platform to shine and represent Pakistan globally.
“I fully support the judges and all the talented participants of Pakistan Idol.”
His statement after Sajjad Ali’s remarks has prompted praise from fans who appreciated his generosity toward young artists.