A new hit TV show here in the Middle East is Arab Idol – the Middle East’s version of Britain’s wildly successful Pop Idol. Men and women from a variety of Arab countries, such as Egypt, Morocco, Jordan, Syria, and even Saudi Arabia, are competing for a chance at the title, singing traditional Arabic style songs. The show premiered on MBC (Middle East Broadcasting Corp) in December 2011 and has been heavily advertised every week.
Not surprisingly, the show has not been without controversy. Objecting to the use of the word “Idol” in the show’s title because it is contrary to Islamic beliefs, some of the region’s ultra-religious have been provoked into action, urging a boycott of the show. Shown above are the three main judges who are in the entertainment business. There are also two hosts of the show – both young and extremely good looking – an actor from Kuwait named Abdallah Tulehi and a model from Lebanon named Annabella Hilal.
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Susie! I sat and watched this via YouTube with my Saudi girlfriends here in the states! It’s so fun to see it on your blog…which I love reading. Many of my friends from Saudi are from Jeddah, so it let’s me see their home life in a certain way. I found your blog while you were here in the states and am excited that you are back to blogging now!
Thanks so much! I’m so glad my blog is giving you a look into your Saudi friends country and lives.
Thanks, everyone! It’s nice to be back!
Wahoo! You’re back with your Jeddah blog! Looking forward to your posts, Susie of Arabia!
Of all the things I did not expect to see on your blog on my return to blogland was Pop Idol! Interesting as ever, and so good to see you are still braving the net.
Jane……though you will recall my alias Babooshka.
No one is safe from the Idol franchise!
Nothing like a great spinoff to create a little controversy.
I love Idol shows anywhere in the world…would love see performers from this particular one