Best Singers for College Fests
College fests have become one of the most awaited times of the year, creating a whirlwind of energy, excitement, and unforgettable memories. And there is no other way of connecting and energizing an audience than a live singer on stage.
But how do you choose the right singer and navigate artist bookings and contacts? Don't worry, we've got you covered.
When planning a pro-event, cultural event, or a high-voltage music festival, booking the right artist can transform your event from ordinary to extraordinary. Here is a list of booking the best singers for your college fest.
The Headliners: College Crowd Pullers
The best performer, whoever it may be, knows how to interact, hype, and make every student feel a part of the show. College fests demand a mix of Bollywood, Indie, pop, retro, Punjabi, EDM, and many more, and the right artist who would be able to provide it all.
Big names draw attention and increase turnout; the more popular an artist is, the more recognition and a larger crowd they will attract for their performance. Young artists with a strong digital presence click instantly with Gen Zs and Millennials.
1. Asees Kaur
Bollywood's most emotionally compelling voice in recent years has been trained in classical music since she was a child, and her singing is both rich and structured. Her breakthrough came with songs like Bolna and Ve Maahi, but it was Raatan Lambiyan from Shershaah that propelled her to international popularity.
Asees' performances are characterized by warmth and soul, and she frequently moves the audience with her romantic, sad, and Sufi-inspired songs. In a college festival setting, she creates an ambiance that is equally ethereal and intensely engaging, perfect for a memorable night.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from ₹50-70 Lakhs
Ideal for: Soulful and emotive performances, particularly in romantic and devotional style
Book Asees Kaur now
2. Arijit Singh
He has undoubtedly been the most influential voice in Indian music over the last decade. With an unrivaled amount of hits, Tum Hi Ho, Channa Mereya, Tera Yaar Hoon Main, and others, he's a global superstar. Most colleges would want to book him because of his exorbitant charge and restricted availability, but if budget and logistics allow, his performance ensures sold-out events, viral videos, and unending crowd sing-alongs. On stage, he has an unrivaled ability to balance power and tenderness.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.5 crore
Ideal for: Performances that express emotions such as love, separation, and heartbreak
Book Arijit Singh now
3. Sunidhi Chauhan
A powerhouse of versatility and one of Bollywood's most dynamic voices, Sunidhi Chauhan is a force of nature on stage. Known for her electrifying and robust vocals, she has dominated the industry for over two decades with her incredible range and energy.
She made her breakthrough with iconic tracks like "Ruki Ruki Si Zindagi" and "Bumbro," but it was her high-octane numbers like "Dhoom Machale," "Beedi Jalaile," and "Sheila Ki Jawani" that cemented her as a superstar. Sunidhi's performances are defined by their sheer power and infectious enthusiasm, and she effortlessly commands the stage with her pop, rock, and dance anthems.
In a college festival setting, she unleashes an explosive and high-energy atmosphere that is both captivating and wildly entertaining, perfect for an unforgettable night of music and dance.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from Rs. 1 crore to Rs. 1.5 crore
Ideal for: Best known for her versatile and powerful voice, making her ideal for various types of songs, especially those requiring high energy and strong vocals.
Book Sunidhi Chauhan now
4. Pritam
A master composer and the hitmaker of a generation, Pritam is the architect behind some of Bollywood's most iconic and enduring soundtracks. His genius lies in his unparalleled ability to blend genres, creating music that is both commercially successful and critically acclaimed.
His breakthrough came with the revolutionary album for Dhoom, but his legacy has been built on a mountain of chart-topping albums like Jab We Met, Yeh Jawaani Hai Deewani, and Ae Dil Hai Mushkil. Pritam's compositions are known for their infectious melodies, intricate arrangements, and timeless appeal, ranging from soulful ballads to high-energy dance numbers.
In a college festival setting, a "Pritam night" creates an electrifying and unifying experience, where thousands of voices sing along to a decade's worth of beloved anthems in a concert that feels both epic and deeply personal.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from 40-50 lakhs
Ideal for: Known for blending Indian classical with contemporary sounds, making it suitable for diverse occasions.
Book Pritam now
5. Badshah
The undisputed king of Indian hip-hop and commercial rap, Badshah is a cultural phenomenon whose beats define the sound of modern India. His genius lies in crafting tracks with incredibly catchy hooks, slick production, and a swagger that is both aspirational and relatable.
He shot to superstardom with anthems like "DJ Waley Babu" and "Kar Gayi Chull," and has since dominated the charts with an unstoppable string of hits like "Genda Phool" and "Jugnu." Badshah's music is a high-energy fusion of desi pop and global hip-hop, characterized by its infectious rhythms and unforgettable party-starting vibe.
In a college festival setting, he delivers an explosive, high-octane performance that transforms the grounds into a massive dance floor, creating a concert experience that is pure, unfiltered fun and energy.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from 30-40 lakhs
Ideal for: Best suited for high-energy, dance-oriented performances, particularly in the Desi Hip Hop (DHH) genre.
Book Badshah now
6. Shreya Ghoshal
She is one of India's most well-known playback singers, recognized for her clean voice, classical training, and perfect diction. Her filmography includes every major Indian language, but it is her Hindi films from Teri Ore to Sun Raha Hai Na Tu that have made her a household name. Though not typically linked with high-energy college performances, Shreya adds a bit of refinement and artistic integrity to any occasion. Her presence is ideally suited for cultural or fusion-themed college parties, where musical quality is the focal point.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from 2 to 3 crore INR
Ideal for: Her versatility across different genres like classical, romantic, and folk music.
Book Shreya Ghoshal now
Indie & Emerging Artists: The Trendsetters
Want to introduce your audience to the next big thing? These independent and emerging artists are making waves on streaming platforms and have a dedicated following among young listeners.
1. Prateek Kuhad
Known for his minimalist composition and emotional lyrics, he has developed a cult following among college students, particularly in India's major cities and liberal arts colleges. His compositions, such as Cold/Mess and Kasoor, are emotional journeys paired with simple but memorable melodies. Prateek's live shows focus on creating a shared emotional space rather than spectacle, making them ideal for late-night, indie-themed events. He appeals to students who appreciate the depth, sensitivity, and beauty of stripped-down music.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from 2 to 3 lakhs INR
Ideal for: Those who enjoy introspective, melancholic, and mellow indie-folk songs, often with themes of love, relationships, and personal experiences
Book Prateek Kuhad now
2. Armaan Malik
Representing the pinnacle of musical variety, with a background in both Indian classical music and Western pop, he can effortlessly switch between Bollywood songs and English-language originals. Songs like Bol Do Na Zara and his international hit Control demonstrate his vocal range and emotional depth. His live performances frequently incorporate a combination of Hindi and English music, which resonates with students who consume both global and local content. Armaan's performances are polished, professional, and emotionally charged, making him a popular choice at academic institutions across the country.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from 40-50 lakhs INR
Ideal for: Roles requiring a youthful, romantic, and expressive voice
Book Armaan Malik now
3. Ritviz
A visionary producer and composer who redefined India's electronic music landscape, Ritviz is celebrated for his groundbreaking fusion of Indian classical traditions with contemporary bass music.
His signature sound, a hypnotic blend of traditional melodies and compelling electronic beats, creates a genre entirely his own. He skyrocketed to fame with the viral anthem "Udd Gaye" and has since captivated listeners with unique tracks like "Liggi" and "Sage," which feel both timeless and futuristic. Ritviz's music is an immersive experience, marked by its soulful drops, intricate vocal samples, and an uplifting, almost spiritual energy.
In a college festival setting, he curates a transcendent atmosphere that is both a high-energy dance party and a collective emotional journey, leaving the audience mesmerized and unified by his distinct soundscapes.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from 40-50 lakhs INR
Ideal for: High-energy, electronic music-focused performances, festivals, and club nights.
Book Ritviz now
4. Jasleen Royal 
An artist with a voice that feels like a heartfelt story, Jasleen Royal is one of modern Bollywood's most distinctive and charming singer-songwriters. Her signature style is built on a foundation of indie-pop and folk, with a raw and endearingly unique vocal texture that sets her apart.
She won the nation's heart with the wedding classic "Din Shagna Da" and soared to new heights with the soul-stirring "Ranjha" from Shershaah. Jasleen's music is characterized by its gentle melodies, intimate feel, and an ability to convey deep emotion with simple, beautiful arrangements.
In a college festival setting, she creates a warm and cozy atmosphere, drawing the audience into a personal and melodic experience that feels like sharing secrets with a close friend under the stars.
Performance Fees: Artist's fees can range anywhere from 10-15 lakhs INR
Ideal for: Soulful voice and engaging stage presence.
5. Jubin Nautiyal
His voice has a haunting quality that elevates whatever song he sings. With singles like Lut Gaye, Tum Hi Aana, and Zindagi Kuch Toh Bata, he's established himself as the voice of new-age romance and emotional storytelling. Jubin is a master at creating an intimate vibe at college festivals, frequently doing acoustic renditions or unplugged concerts that resonate with the audience. He is most suited for evening gatherings requiring emotion, mood, and melody.
Ideal for: Melodious, romantic, and soulful performances.
Book Jubin Nautiyal now
Your Step-by-Step Guide to Booking an Artist
1. Define Your Budget: This is the most crucial first step. Your budget will determine the tier of artist you can afford. Be realistic and remember to account for more than just the artist's fee. Consider:
- Artist's Performance Fee
- Travel and Accommodation
- Technical Rider (Sound, Lighting, Stage), etc
2. The Initial Inquiry: Reach out to an official artist management agency like Starclinch. This is the most reliable way to get accurate information on an artist's availability and fee. Be prepared to provide:
- The name of your college and fest.
- The proposed date of the event.
- Your estimated budget.
- The expected audience size.
3. Promoting the Event: Once the artist is confirmed, it's time to build the hype!
- Use high-quality images and videos of the artist.
- Run contests and giveaways on social media.
- Collaborate with student influencers on campus.
Booking Made Easy with StarClinch
Planning a college fest is not a piece of cake. When looking for a good singer, you need more than just good taste; you need a reliable platform. That’s where platforms like StarClinch come in handy.
India’s leading artist booking platform, which provides you with a variety of artists, whether small or big, to choose from, with verified, performance-ready singers across genres and budgets.
Whether you're looking for a high-voltage Bollywood performer, a soulful indie voice, or a genre-bending fusion act, the platform offers transparent pricing, real-time availability, and end-to-end support, so your college event goes off without a hitch.
StarClinch ensures you book the right talent with zero hassle. So instead of chasing contacts and relying on guesswork, let your fest planning begin with a click and end on a high note.
