14 August,2026 04:38 PM IST | Mumbai | mid-day online correspondent
Sonu Nigam. Pic via Instagram
Sonu Nigam has never been one to shy away from an honest take on the changing music industry, and the singer has now opened up about one of its most debated tools, Auto-Tune. In the latest episode of Komal Nahta's Game Changers: The Music Series, Nigam discussed how technology has transformed the way music is recorded and produced.
The singer, who has spent decades navigating Bollywood's changing soundscape, admitted that even he uses pitch-correction technology for certain songs. But according to Nigam, there is a clear difference between using technology to polish a performance and using it to hide the absence of singing ability.
Reflecting on the evolution of recording, Nigam said Auto-Tune has brought significant changes to the music industry. While the technology is often criticised, the singer believes its arrival has also had positive effects.
Nigam explained that singers of his generation were fortunate to have trained and performed without relying on pitch correction. However, he acknowledged that modern recordings are far more digitally precise than they once were.
According to the singer, earlier recordings featured live orchestras and instruments such as the sarangi, meaning musicians and vocalists naturally adjusted to one another during a performance. Today, with much of the process digitised, every element can be precisely aligned, making even a raw vocal stand out differently.
Nigam candidly admitted, "I use auto-tune in certain songs of mine," while stressing that he believes it should be used responsibly. Sonu Nigam also recently sang while undergoing surgery and shared the video online.
For Nigam, the problem begins when technology becomes a substitute for actual vocal ability. He argued that singers should first give their best performance and then use technology to make small corrections rather than depend on it to create an otherwise impossible performance.
His stance also extends to actors who want to sing. Nigam said he has no issue with actors using Auto-Tune to fulfil their musical ambitions, but believes the technology should not blur the line between performers and trained playback singers.
The singer's comments come as the Indian music industry continues to embrace increasingly digital recording techniques. From pitch correction to vocal processing, technology has become an integral part of contemporary music production.
Yet Nigam's message remains simple, technology can enhance talent, but it should not replace it. His candid admission offers a glimpse into how even established singers are adapting to the changing sound of modern music while still holding on to the importance of musical training and genuine vocal ability. Sonu Nigam also very recently broke silence on why he refused to address the student protests.
