Gurpreet Sarin, the desi tadka at American Idol

Gurpreet Singh Sarin, the first Indian-origin singer to reach the top 40 of American reality show, American Idol, says he made judges and contestants on the show savour Indian food. “Indian food is a rage in the US.

Gurpreet Singh Sarin, the first Indian-origin singer to reach the top 40 of American reality show, American Idol, says he made judges and contestants on the show savour Indian food. "Indian food is a rage in the US. I made people on the show try chicken seekh and some Indian curries. They all relished it," says Gurpreet, who got eliminated in the next round.

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Born and brought up in the US, Gurpreet felt like a flag bearer for his country on the show. "There were two more (Indians who participated in the show), but none of them made it to the top 40. Naturally, I felt like an ambassador for India. I took Indian culture on the American platform."

The 22-year-old made an impact on the American pop star and judge Nicki Minaj on the first day itself and says his good looks helped him become the judges’ favourite. "I know they liked the way I carried myself and I don’t want to lose this charm. However, it doesn’t mean I made it to the top 40 only with my looks. I am now working hard on my singing skills as well," he says.