Mumbai September 13: For the first time in the musical talent hunt show L`iL Champs (Zee), the concept of public voting was introduced last week. It was an opportunity for the any one of the five eliminated kids to return to the show. That all of them had worked on their flaws was visible in their performances but who would get the most votes was anybody`s guess.

Diwakar Sharma from Delhi has been receiving accolades and bouquets for his performances on the show since the very beginning. His elimination came as a shock to many and the response department at Zee received innumerable requests from viewers all over the world to bring him back. So, his getting the highest number of votes from the public came as no surprise.

That Diwakar is talented is undeniable, but in a competition, the challenge lies in selecting the best singer. The judges on the show have been very fair and vocal in their judgements, all with the aim to select the child with the best vocal chords. Diwakar`s return has raised doubts on the veracity of public voting among the judges.

Bollywood singer Abhijeet is visibly upset at the voting trends. Says he,"Why is everyone highlighting only Diwakar when there are nine other equally talented kids on the show. Diwakar has clearly got the sympathy vote and the public should reconsider the damage such results do on the other contestants. They should vote for his work and not for his visual disability. Neha`s ouster is a loss to the competition.

He adds, "Neha sang the best and she deserved the votes. It is sad to see a talented voice like her fall prey to public`s emotions. Her confidence will take a beating because of these results. The technical nuances in her voice are a rare quality and that should have been noticed and appreciated with votes by the audiences."

Alka Yagnik was also equally disturbed by the very concept of public voting. "All the contestants are dear to us and we are happy for the one that has been chosen with huge number of votes. But we are concerned about handing over the power of judgement to the people. The most deserving child should benefit," says an anxious Alka.

"Diwakar has been brought back because he is a special child. That is not fair as only singing and its related technicalities should be the deciding factor. He is not handicapped in singing or intelligence and the only advantage he gets over others is the fact that he is visually challenged. I personally felt that Neha was far more deserving. We are taking up this issue with the makers of the show and will appeal to the public that talent and voice quality should be the sole criteria," says a frank Alka.

Bappi Lahiri was not available for comment. The director of the show Gajendrra Siingh commented, "We had so far not exposed the kids to getting public votes just so that they don`t buckle under the pressure of it. I respect the public`s decision and such strong reactions are expected in a reality format. In the end, it will only be exceptional talent that will take the winner`s title."