Beirut: Syrian Hazim Sharif won Arab Idol on Saturday, calling it “a dream” and choosing not to make the moment a political one.
The 21-year-old Syrian — the favourite to win the popular contest — beat a Saudi and Palestinian to take the third Arab Idol title in a show broadcast on MBC pan-Arab TV channel.
After a moment of tension, fear and tears, when Sharif’s name was called he kneeled on the ground, thanking God for what he described a dream come true, while the audience burst in joy.
“I can summarize my journey in Arab Idol in one word: a dream,” he told a press conference held after the results were announced.
“It is one word, a dream. And thank God it came true.”
After his name was announced in the finale, Sharif sang the “victory song”, which he devoted to Syria. Unlike previous winners, however, he didn’t carry his country’s flag. Karmen Suleiman, from Egypt, won in 2012, and Mohammad Assaf, from Palestine, won in 2013. Both were draped in their national flags during the show.
He explained the move by saying he doesn’t want to be involved in politics.
“I am 21 years old, and I don’t want my art to be connected to politics,” added the articulate young Syrian singer. He noted that his mother’s presence in the audience during the show “gave him strength and confidence”.
“Every time I see her in the audience, I feel more self-confident and have more power.”
The show’s judges — Emirati singer Ahlam, and Lebanese singers Nancy Ajram and Wael Kafoury — didn’t hesitate to mention his nation’s turmoil.
“With your winning, you made bleeding Syria cheers. You are a source of joy to Syria and its people,” said Emirati singer Ahlam, a judge on the show.
Violence in Syria in the last four years has killed thousands of people and forced millions to take refuge outside their homeland.
“I knew you would be the winner from the way you sing . You were never been at risk [of being voted off],” she added.
“You are a talent that deserves winning... God willing your winning will be a remedy to the injuries of Syrians,” said Ajram.
“We lived the war, and we know the value of your achievement [to lift morale],” Ajram added in reference to the 15 years of civil war in Lebanon, which ended in 1990.
“I want to congratulate you and congratulate Syria for your winning,” added Kafoury.
Sharif was one of three finalists, along with 26-year-old Saudi Majed Al Madani and 24-year-old Palestinian Haitham Khalaileh.
“This year’s season of Arab Idol is the first season that people’s opinions were divided on who is going to win,” said Egyptian music production expert Hassan Shafie, the fourth judge. “This is a plus and not a minus.”
Before Sharif’s coronation, Emirati singer Hussain Al Jasimi performed, while Friday night’s show — in which the finalists performed, was a festive event.
Sharif receives 250,000 Saudi riyal (nearly Dh245, 000); a contract with Platinum Records; production of three singles and a video clip; and a trip to the Seychelles courtesy of Emirates Airline, one of the main sponsors of the show this year.
The previous two Arab Idols got a 10-year contract. MBC spokesperson Mazen Hayek stressed that this is only for “practicality”, especially that the winners are still at the beginning of their artistic path.
“A three-year renewable contract is more practical,” Hayek said.
While Hayek praised the “big team work” behind the success of talents shows, such as Arab Idol, he announced that there will be a fourth season later next year or early 2016.
The jury members will continue to be the same, unless they want to leave.
Hayek concluded: “We are one family.”
