Winning Indian Idol 16 has been a life-changing moment for Odisha's Jyotirmoyee Nayak. After lifting the trophy and winning the hearts of millions with her performances, the singer opened up about her emotional journey, musical background, future dreams, and the person she admired the most on the judging panel.

In an exclusive interaction, she also shared what she intends to do with the ₹20 lakh prize money and reflected on the experiences that shaped her success.

'I Couldn't Believe I Had Won'

Recalling the moment she was announced as the winner, Jyotirmoyee said she was overwhelmed with emotions.

She described feeling completely speechless, unsure whether to laugh or cry, adding that the victory was the result of years of dedication, along with the blessings of Lord Jagannath, her family's support, and the love she received from viewers throughout the competition.

She also thanked the show's makers, mentors, and everyone who helped her reach the grand finale.

Proud of Her Odia Roots

Jyotirmoyee credited Odisha's rich musical traditions for inspiring her from a young age. Folk music and the state's cultural heritage played a significant role in shaping her musical journey.

One of her most memorable moments came when she returned to her hometown after the show, where thousands of supporters gathered to welcome her—an experience she says she will never forget.

Engineering and Music Went Hand in Hand

Apart from being a singer, Jyotirmoyee also has an engineering background.

She believes education helped her develop discipline and confidence, making it easier to balance academics with her passion for music. After completing her engineering studies, she pursued music therapy, combining her interest in music with helping others.

Music Therapy Holds a Special Place

Talking about music therapy, Jyotirmoyee explained that she has worked with patients, including those battling serious illnesses, using music as a form of emotional support.

According to her, music can promote mental well-being, reduce stress, and provide comfort during difficult phases of life.

The Judge She Admired Most

When asked to choose her favourite judge from the show, Jyotirmoyee did not hesitate in naming Shreya Ghoshal.

She described the celebrated singer as someone she has admired since childhood and said receiving appreciation from Shreya was one of the biggest highlights of her journey. She also recalled that Shreya remembered her from the audition round, making the experience even more special.

Her Advice to Aspiring Singers

Jyotirmoyee admitted that her journey on the show wasn't always smooth and included several challenging moments.

However, she believes perseverance made the difference. Her message to aspiring singers is simple: stay determined, trust yourself, and never give up, even when the journey becomes difficult.

What Will She Do With the ₹20 Lakh Prize?

Although she has not yet finalised a financial plan, Jyotirmoyee revealed that her father, who is a Chartered Accountant, will help manage the prize money.

Personally, she has one dream she hopes to fulfil with her winnings—to own a house of her own.

A Heartfelt Message for Fans

Ending the conversation, Jyotirmoyee expressed gratitude to everyone who supported her throughout the competition.

She said Indian Idol gave her an incredible platform to showcase her talent and thanked viewers for believing in her every step of the way. According to her, the love and encouragement from fans played a major role in helping her achieve the biggest milestone of her career so far.