Arab world's version of ``American Idol'' has a nationalist bent and vehement fans

Associated Press ^ | 08/18/03 | BASSEM MROUE

[bedolido]

And you thought "American Idol" fans were excitable. They've got nothing on the millions of Syrians, Lebanese and Jordanians backing their national favorites on "Superstar," the show's knockoff in the Arab world.

Competition went smoothly until last week, when front-runner Melhem Zein, of Lebanon, was eliminated in the semifinals. Angry fans in the audience pelted each other with chairs or anything else they could find, and the two remaining contestants fainted. The live broadcast came to a halt.

[bedolido]

[Sir Gawain]

Savages.

[martin_fierro]

Angry fans in the audience pelted each other with chairs or anything else they could find, and the two remaining contestants fainted. The live broadcast came to a halt.

Hey, It's A Religion O' ... aw, nevermind.

[Shermy]

Billboards showing singer Rowaida Attiyeh read, 'Syrian votes are for a Syrian voice,' in one of the main squares in Damascus, Syria Monday, Aug. 18, 2003.

[.cnI redruM]

Too bad Syria doesn't have recall elections.

[taxcontrol]

Wow, that's a nasty bruise on her cheek.

[EuroFrog]

She looks like a man!

[Shermy]

Those in-studio free-for-alls can get nasty.

[bedolido]

She looks like a man!

So does heraldo

[lelio]

The Middle East Idol final round has both contestants showing who can go out with the biggest death told after strapping on identical dynamite belts. Whomever wins get double the normal 72 virgin package.

[Bulldog1967]

This show is only second in ratings to : WHO WANTS TO BE A SUICIDE BOMBER!?!?

[July 4th]

Further proof that the Arabs cannot govern themselves. Ever. The British has the right idea, they just couldn't make it work.

[Modernman]

Damn- the Arab world really does adopt all of the West's worst ideas: socialism, fascism, rampant nationalism and now "American Idol."

[PsyOp]

So, what happens if they get voted out? Do the judges remote detonate the unfortunate contestants suicide belt?

[herkbird]

She kind of looks like Barbara Streisand. Maybe if she wins she will correct the Arab political system Like Babs has done here in the USA. I love it.

The American Idol Culture is destroying the arabs way of life. I applaud the Brits' for starting this beloved television search for singing idols. I can't wait for the Arab Juniors show. Will all the Junior Group Contestants be from just one Arab Country? Television in the Arab Countries is rapidy corrupting the Arab world.

I wonder if Jessie Jackson will demand that a minority contestant must win, like Ruben Studdard did in American Idol 2? This is Great!

[bedolido]

So, what happens if they get voted out? Do the judges remote detonate the unfortunate contestants suicide belt?

LMAO... brilliant!

[bluelowrider57]

lol beat each other with chairs eh? Arab peace, my bros.

[BobS]

LOL! NOW we know how to git 'em!