MIDEAST-CRISIS/SYRIA-CONTEST Syrian wins Arab Idol contest, steers clear of politics

Record ID: 283551

  • Title: MIDEAST-CRISIS/SYRIA-CONTEST Syrian wins Arab Idol contest, steers clear of politics
  • Date: 14th December 2014
  • Summary: (SOUNDBITE) (Arabic) ARAB IDOL WINNER, SYRIAN HAZIM SHARIF, SINGING: "I write your name, my country, on the sun that does not set. Neither my money, nor my children, there is no lover more important than your love." (Lyrics of song 'Bektob Esmik Ya Baladi') VARIOUS OF JURY MEMBERS ON STAGE: LEBANESE SINGER WAEL KFOURY, LEBANESE SINGER NANCY AJRAM, EMIRATI SINGER AHLAM AND
  • Embargoed: 29th December 2014 12:00
  • Keywords:
  • Topics: General
  • Reuters ID: LVA22V5EQ9Q8ENVYFDIMT7BJDC7F
  • Story Text: A young man from Syria's battle-ravaged city of Aleppo won the annual "Arab Idol" singing contest late on Saturday (December 13), then prayed to God to end calamities in his country.
    Hazim Sharif steered clear of specific political references in interviews and Facebook messages after his victory, which was broadcast to millions of viewers across the Middle East.
    "Of course, I dedicate my win to Syria. The most important thing is for joy and happiness to return to Syria, as well as security and safety," Sharif told journalists after his win, and said he wanted to hold his first performance in Syria.
    Sharif chose 'Bektob Esmik Ya Baladi' ('I write your name, my country') to perform as his winning song, after the announcement was made.
    Unlike previous winners, the 21-year-old did not wave a flag to mark his win, but dedicated his performance in the Beirut venue to the Syrian people and his family.
    Jury members for the third season of Arab Idol, broadcast on MBC, included Emirati singer Ahlam, Lebanese singers Wael Kfoury and Nancy Ajram, and Egyptian musical artist Hassan el-Shafei
    Ahlam said Sharif's win would give a boost to his whole country.
    "Many many congratulations to Hazim, of course. Today, he gave joy (to Syria) as Mohammed Assaf did for Palestine last year. Today, he (Hazim) gave a lot of joy to wounded Syria. I hope that the Syrian people and the Syrian audience are happy. I imagine their happiness is great today, their happiness is ours. And all participants have their places in us (our hearts)," the jury-member said.
    Sharif, with his velvet voice and steady performances, was a firm favourite throughout the four-month competition and beat Palestinian and Saudi rivals, Haitham Khalaily and Majed al-Madani in the final.
    The Syrian's mother, sister and brother were among his family and friends watching him live on stage.
    His mother, Ibdaa Nouh, said she was delighted with Sharif's win.
    "I am getting the news now. All of Syria is happy, in all its regions, from the old to the young. Thank God, the stone was crying with joy when Hazim was singing, now he has the title. I can't describe it for you anymore. I want to be in my country now and share with them this joy. Everyone is happy. I dedicate this joy, this result and this great title called Arab Idol, I and Hazim dedicate this joy to the whole Arab world, and especially to every child and every adult in Syria," she said.
    People posted videos on social media which they said showed celebrations in the northern Syrian city of Aleppo, which is at the centre of a fierce battle between pro-government forces and insurgent groups.
    In the government-held capital Damascus, people celebrated in restaurants and waved the Syrian national flag in the streets.
    "It is not only an artistic victory, it is more than that. It shows the world that Syria is a strong country and nothing can stand in our way," said Raed al-Nahawi, who watched the final in a cafe.
    "The Syrian people are strong and this crisis will end and Syria will return to the way it was and security will return to the country," added Jean Pierre der Torosian.
    Syria's state news agency SANA reported Sharif's win, saying that he had been consistently well received by the audience.
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