Not so different...Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final
Arab Idol favourite Mohammed Assaf carries hopes of Palestinians into final
Gaza refugee becomes symbol of national pride as millions across Arab world prepare to watch last leg of TV talent show
Thousands of Palestinians are expected to crowd into cafes, hotels and open-air venues on Friday evening to watch three finalists compete for the title of Arab Idol, in the fervent hope that a 23-year-old from a Gaza refugee camp is declared the winner on Saturday.
Mohammed Assaf, who is thought to be the favourite to win the TV talent show, has enthralled viewers from Gaza, the West Bank and the entire Palestinian diaspora with his rendition of traditional songs – some lamenting the loss of his homeland – and his self-effacing charm. For many in Palestine, enduring a grinding existence under occupation, Assaf has come to symbolise hope and national aspiration.
The series has attracted millions across the Arab world. In Gaza and the West Bank, posters of Assaf are plastered across walls and billboards, and T-shirts bearing his face and the number three – assigned to him in the SMS voting system – are a common sight.
Public figures, including President Mahmoud Abbas, have urged Palestinians to vote en masse by text message for the local boy. According to Reuters, Abbas has instructed Palestinian embassies to urge expatriates to vote for Assaf, calling the singer "the pride of the Palestinian and Arab nation". Two mobile phone companies have offered cut-price texts for viewers.
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/2013/jun/21/arab-idol-mohammed-assaf-palestine-gaza?utm_source=twitterfeed&utm_medium=twitter
On Twitter: #ArabIdol
I have, over the years, heard people say "No one cares about X, they would rather watch American Idol". Looks like it is a problem elsewhere in the world as well. Maybe we should cancel all shows and have people sit around watching the news instead 
but then, the news is mostly crap too lol
http://www.guardian.co.uk/world/video/2013/jun/21/arab-idol-mohammed-assaf-video
