MUMBAI: VYRL Originals recent release, Sajna Ve having crossed over 10 million views in just a week, had the youth crooning to its tunes. As an extension to the Sajna Ve Campaign, VYRL Originals associated with Gaana.com to launch VYRL Cover Star, an extensive marketing initiative, which gave music enthusiasts an opportunity to perform Live in front of Sajna Ve’s celebrated artist Lisa Mishra and Vishal Mishra.

Speaking about the initiative, Universal Music Group India and South Asia Senior Vice President Vinit Thakkar shares, “VYRL Cover Star gave an opportunity to the fans to get closer to the artists and their mentors. We are glad about the response we have received on this initiative. It was amazing seeing the participants perform on VYRL Originals songs, each one being unique in its own way. And it was a privilege to associate with Gaana on this initiative. With the response of the VYRL Cover Star campaign, we are sure that we have immense talent in the country and on the right path to bring out the best. VYLR Originals as a platform gives an opportunity to such talent.”

Commenting on the association with VYRL, Gaana CEO Prashan Agarwal shares, “We are excited to be partners with VYRL Originals for VYRL Cover Star. At Gaana, we have been finding newer ways to encourage the potent of Indie music scene. Our #VYRLCoverStar campaign has received over 450 promising entries from across the country and I truly believe our winner holds the promise to be among the next big music sensations out of India.”

Sharing his excitement, Vishal Mishra says, “I had a great time being a part of the ‘VRYL Cover Star’ contest and as a creator it’s so overwhelming and humbling that so many people do their own renditions of my own song. It’s like I smell it differently, every time, somebody new performs. As a whole, it has been a great experience working with the VYRL team. I think it’s the most amazing and vision full team I have worked with and had a great time. And to all the participants of VYRL Cover Star, I wish them a lot of luck and love and to the winner. I shall see you in the studio soon and I can’t wait to repeat the magic again with VYRL Originals.”

Sharing her excitement, Lisa Mishra says, “I’m so thankful to everyone who participated in this competition. We had nearly 500 entries and of course I was so excited to finally meet our top five. Every single person gave their best, sounded amazing and all of them sounded very different and fresh. I think all the artists were very young and with voices that I have never heard before. I’m so glad to see Shweta win because she has an incredible voice. I’m also excited to see her future work because I’m sure she is going to go very far.”

The contest became an instant hit with over 500 entries across the nation. The talented top 5 finalists were handpicked by both Vishal and Lisa and were flown down from their respective cities to perform live at the finale. The finalists performed two of their favorite VYRL tracks that was live streamed on VYRL Originals’ and Gaana’s social media handles.

Universal Music Group India and South Asia Senior Vice President Vinit Thakkar along with Gaana CEO Prashan Agarwal co-judged the final showcase with Vishal and Lisa. Top five finalists namely - Aishwarya Kamath, Vedant Pundir, Tenzin Wangmo, Shweta Srivastava, Gucci Singh and Jasraj Singh wowed the audience with impeccable renditions of songs. The night ended on a high note with Lisa and Vishal’s mesmerising performance. Shweta Srivastava stood out amongst all the participants to become the winner of the first ever VYRL Cover Star.