Neha Kakkar is one of the biggest examples of how a contestant went on to judge the same reality show. 

She participated in season 2 but was rejected. She’s known for delivering hits like “Dilbar” and “Kala Chashma”. 

Monali Thakur, who sang songs such as “Sawaar Loon” in Lootera and “Moh Moh Ke Dhaage” in Dum Laga Ke Haisha was a contestant on Indian Idol season 2. 

Monali also won a National Award.

Rahul Vaidya, who was a runner-up in Indian Idol season 1, went on to garner fame with Bigg Boss 14. 

Bigg Boss 14 is also where he proposed to his now wife Disha Parmar. 

Bhoomi Trivedi, who was a contestant on Indian Idol season 5 got her big Bollywood break with “Ram Chahe Leela” in Sanjay Leela Bhansali’s Goliyon Ki Raasleela Ram-Leela. 

She is more popular on the Gujarati singing front as of now. 

Meiyang Chang was a contestant in season 3. While his singing career took a backseat, he rose to fame as an actor and television host. 

He was recently seen in the film ‘Ulajh’ starring Janhvi Kapoor. 

Salman Ali shot to fame after winning the 10th season of Indian Idol. An exception in this list given his popularity. 

He was also the first runner-up of Sa Re Ga Ma Pa L'il Champs 2011.

Indian Idol 5 winner Sreerama Chandra is also known for delivering Bollywood hit songs like "Subhanallah" in Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, "Balma" in Khiladi 786, and "Fikar not" in Chhichhore. 

He also participated in Jhalak Dikhhla Jaa 11 and Bigg Boss Telugu.