Will it be a case of third time lucky for the Arabic version of The X Factor?
MBC certainly hopes so. The Dubai-based broadcaster acquired the programme, previously titled The X Factor Arabia, last year following a troubled stint: the Simon Cowell-created talent quest was cancelled by the Saudi-owned Rotana after two seasons in 2007 and the Egyptian channel CBC after one season in 2013.
In a move to blow away any remaining whiff of failure surrounding the franchise, MBC spared no efforts in launching the latest incarnation on March 11 with a sparkling ceremony at Dubai’s Jumeirah Beach Hotel.
The event was attended by all three judges – Lebanese singers Ragheb Alama and Elissa and Egyptian actress Donia Ghanem – and included a special performance by UK girl band Little Mix, who won season eight of the British version of The X Factor in 2011.
Premiering on Saturday, March 14, here is what you need to know about what Alama promises is "a new beginning of The X Factor."
The whole package
In a time where television talent shows are a dime a dozen, it's easy to dismiss The X Factor as a copy of Arab Idol.
For one thing, the programme is not focused on finding the next big artist. Instead, The X Factor ensures a diversity of on-air talent with various categories: 16 to 24 years old, 25 to 30 years old, males, females and groups.
Also, unlike Arab Idol, the judging panel is tasked with not only finding the best voice but also talent, marketability and performance.
This could go some way in finally addressing today's alarming trend of young competition winners who enter the industry with a lack of onstage charisma – think 2014 Arab Idol winner Hazem Sharif and Mohammed Rifi, who won The X Factor Arabia in 2013.
Ironically, the Arabic version of The X Factor also has the potential of being revolutionary for the region.
With 2010's The X Factor UK finalists One Direction to play a sold-out Dubai Sevens Stadium concert on April 4, there is an obvious appetite for young bands in the region. And without a strong culture of such pop groups in the Arab world, The X Factor seems to be the only programme that can finally introduce this trend.
Alama is in a happier place
When Ragheb Alama left the Arab Idol judging panel at the end of the 2013 season, we couldn't help but worry it was the last time we would see his evergreen personality on a talent show again. Such was the increasingly contemptuous relationship he shared with fellow Arab Idol judge, Emirati diva Ahlam. As it turned out, a good break was all he needed. Alama is back, this time on The X Factor, and it's going to be a smoother ride, because he counts his fellow judges as friends.
“Elissa is a very good friend of mine over the years and she is simply a star in her own right,” says Alama.
“Donia I have known for about 16 years old through her family. We have a great panel and as you will see in the show we work very hard and there is a lot of affection between us.”
Elissa keeps the faith
The Lebanese singer Elissa says she was already planning for the new season of The X Factor when CBC pulled the plug back in 2013. Elissa says she accepted the offer because the programme has a lot of potential.
“I promise you, it will be a great show,” she says. “At the end of the day, I just feel the format is excellent and I am glad that it is given another chance to demonstrate what it can do because it deserves it.”
While reluctant to discuss “the past”, Elissa admits previous seasons were undermined by a “dry” talent pool. “It’s getting better now,” she says. “Generally, with each year I am seeing quality artists and you will no doubt see what I am talking about when the show starts.”
Donia Ghanem is herself
The 29-year-old Egyptian actress Donia Ghanem, the “baby” of the group (Elissa and Alama are 42 and 52 respectively), says it took some convincing for her to sign up.
“I am too nice,” says Ghanem. “I don’t know how to burn contestants. I always provide advice in a nice and gentle way. When I was told to just be myself, that’s when I decided to give it a shot.”
Some encouragement from an entertainment mogul also helped: Ghanem said she also conferred with The X Factor founder Simon Cowell.
“We spoke on the phone and he is a really nice man,” she said. “It also shows you that he is aware of everything and he is fully supportive of the show.”
• The X Factor is on March 14 on MBC4 and MBC Masr at 10pm. Visit www.mbc.net
[ sasaeed@thenational.ae ]
