Finding the next generation of artistes is perhaps among the best ways a musician can give back to the world of music. Singer Benny Dayal hopes to do that as he takes the judge’s seat on Tamil Idol. In a chat with mid-day, the artiste talks about finding true potential, the importance of performance in artistry, and why AI cannot match genuine talent.
      
Excerpts from the interview.

What are you looking for in this season’s contestants?
I am looking for honesty, innocence, and, of course, an X factor that cannot be taught or replicated. There should be something unique about the way they approach music. You can learn techniques and acquire skills, but there is a certain quality that makes an artiste who they are.