Arab Idol returns to Jumeirah Beach Hotel

The auditions for MBC TV talent-spotting programme Arab idol again took place at Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Dubai.

For the second consecutive year, hundreds of young contestants travelled to the luxury property to participate in the competition, all hoping to win a recording contract with Platinum Records.

Filming took place in conference and meetings areas overlooking the local surroundings.

Participants and hundreds of accompanying attendees came to the auditions.

General manager of Jumeirah Beach Hotel, Mahmoud Sakr, said: “We are very proud to have received this opportunity to work with MBC Group to host the Arab Idol auditions for the second consecutive year. It was a great success and we are looking forward to collaborate with them in the near future.”

Inspired by the British TV show Pop Idol, Arab Idol follows is the successor of a previous pan-Arab rendition of the Idol series called Super Star, which aired on Future TV for five seasons, beginning in 2003.

MBC 1 expressed desire to revive the show in a revamped version, with the same concept whereby ten young contestants from the Arab world are selected to perform a song on stage in front of the judges and audience after many auditions.

Viewers are given 24 hours to vote for their favourite contestants and the one who receives the fewest votes is eliminated.

The show is recorded in Beirut, Lebanon and is aired every Friday.

The winner receives various prizes, including but not limited to a recording contract with Platinum Records (recording label affiliated with MBC) for a debut album, and a Chevrolet Corvette.

The show premiered for the first time in 2011 and since then has gained a loyal fan base across the Middle East.