If there's one thing all four celebrity judges can agree on during this third season of The Voice Ahla Sawt, it's that the reality-TV talent competition plays a major role in tackling negative perceptions about Arabs and Muslims worldwide.
“I don’t like politics and I don’t like delving into politics, but not anyone in America can speak about us and insult us and say we shouldn’t be let into his country, especially considering how little he knows about us and about our talents,” said Egyptian star Sherine Abdel-Wahab during last weekend’s semi-final. She was referring to American presidential candidate Donald Trump and his calls to ban Muslims from entering the United States.
Throwing her arms around a hijab-wearing contestant, finalist Nedaa Shrara from Jordan, Abdel-Wahab reiterated what all the judges have been saying the entire season: Arabs are talented, artistic and full of potential, if only the opportunity presents itself.
And The Voice is the platform that gives them such a chance.
“The success of this show demands the world’s attention,” said Abdel-Wahab.
“When I come here every week, I feel like I’m attending a show in Las Vegas. We have an incredible set, we look great, the audience is always so excited and our contestants are stars. This has been the best season yet.
“This show is one of the best ways to fight extremists and prove to the world that we are just humans who appreciate art like anyone, not terrorists.”
Escapist fun
The season concludes on Saturday night with a live episode that will broadcast across the region from Beirut on the Dubai-based channel MBC.
Abdel-Wahab commented on the show’s popularity in the region, saying that the streets of major capitals in the Middle East are practically deserted because people are glued to their television screens, enjoying the escapism provided by the programme.
Tunisian judge Saber Rebaï said Abdel-Wahab’s observation gives him hope. “If that’s the case, then I’m glad,” he says. “Let them sit at home and watch some harmless entertainment. It’s better for them than bombs and Daesh nonsense.”
Lebanese crooner Assi El Hallani says that the dynamic of the Arab world has changed. Where once there were more concerts and events for people to attend, the economic downturn and refugee crisis in the region has meant people have gravitated towards television and free entertainment. "This is where The Voice comes in," he says.
In it to win it
The winner of the first season of The Voice Ahla Sawt was Mourad Bouriki. Mentored by Lebanese singer Assi El Hallani, the Moroccan's victory established El Hallani as a force to be reckoned with.
Iraqi crooner Kadim Al-Sahir was the winning mentor on season 2, when his finalist, and compatriot, Sattar Saad won the title.
“If I win this year, I will dedicate it to my country Egypt, the Mother of the World,” said Abdel-Wahab. “Each one of us wants our contestant to win, because it means we win as judges,” said El Hellani. “We’re competing as well.”
However, the judges aren’t battling the same sort of stress levels as their contestants. “Of course, they will be nervous, that’s understandable,” said Rebaï.
“The winner has to have the full package, and not just an amazing voice. We are looking for the one who exhibits control, who has presence, knows how to move on stage, and accepts advice from us.
“Then, of course, there’s the people’s votes – it’s the [public] votes that will ultimately decide the winner.”
Al-Sahir said The Voice demonstrates how indispensable social media has become in promoting a musician's career. "We urge all our contestants to be active on social media – to tweet and open Instagram accounts and get serious on Facebook," he said.
“And we, as judges, also use our social-media accounts to reach out to our own fans and get them all excited about our contestants.”
Whoever wins, the victory will be well deserved, said Al-Sahir. “The winner will receive the title because of their talent, not because of their age or gender or what country they come from,” he says.
"We've spoken about politics and the state of this region a lot more than usual this season, but the truth is this: The Voice has always been about the talent."
• Tune in on Saturday night at 10pm to MBC1 & MBC Masr for the final of Season 3 of The Voice Ahla Sawt. For more information, visit www.mbc.net
artslife@thenational.ae
