India Post News Service Prashant Tamang, 24, was the underdog until he made it to the top 2, some say by miracle. And thereafter he went on to become better and better till he was voted as Indian Idol-3. The West Bengal constable pipped his rival Amit Paul, also from the North East, on the Grand Finale night.

The Indian Idol Grand Finale had every Indian glued to the television screen as finally the seven-month old wait was coming to an end. The event was held at National Small Industries Corporation (NSIC) ground and witnessed jam-packed audiences.

The evening registered a start with singer Alisha Chinai humming 'Tinka Tinka' for her favorite contestant Chang. The evening dazzled with the top 12 Indian Idol finalists, the four esteemed judges - Anu Malik, Javed Akhtar, Udit Narayan and Alisha, accompanied by celebrities like John Abraham, Mika Singh and Sukhwinder Singh who put up a fabulous performance with the female Indian Idol finalists.

The winners of Indian Idol one and two - Abhijeet Sawant and Sandeep Acharya took to the stage once again, remembering their wonderful past. Mini Mathur and Hussein cheered the crowd and the finalists, as they put up a great show.

The runner up of third season on Indian Idol was the young heart throb of millions - Amit Paul. Amit not only managed to make it to the top 2, with the wild card entry, but was also chosen as the Brand Ambassador of Meghalaya during his journey in Indian Idol. Along with Prashant Tamang, Amit Paul too was gifted a brand new Maruti S4 car, for his brilliant performance and sporting spirit. Tamang entered the competition without many expectations.

All through he never got a taste of the danger zone. While judges were not so happy with his performances and his tight hand in classical music, his performances in the end were able to fetch him great applause. As the declaration was celebrated with frenzied fans bursting crackers in Darjeeling, another part of the North East, particularly Shillong almost had a sullen face.

Many called it unfair and manipulated, as criticism for the format of voting mounted high. As the lights outside the Paul residence went off, Rajesh Sangma cried, "What could we do? Meghalaya had less money." "The contest should have been Nepali Idol as most of the votes were from them and Prashant became Indian Idol because of them.

It is a life time achievement for them to have a Nepali guy at least qualify for such a contest and they did not want to lose it," opines Sanjay, a History student from New Delhi. Keeping all that aside, the whole idea of a constable from a lower middle-class background, winning encores, a SX4 car and a contract worth a crore is commendable.

In fact Lower Tonsoong Road where Tamang's family is located, would be rechristened Prashant Marg. Tenzing Khambchey, councilor of municipal ward reinforces the happiness, "September 24 will be etched in our minds forever.

We will have a grand feast for five days. Educational institutions and offices are also remaining closed for two days, for people to celebrate." This one is for the NRI youth in US. Do you also idolize Indian Idol 3?