The Lebanese satellite channel Future will be airing a 12 hour non-stop special broadcast of Superstar, since today marks the final episode from which a winner will be chosen as the Arab Superstar. The broadcast will consist of biographies of the two remaining contestants, Diana Karazone from Jordan and Rwaida Attia from Syria, in addition to a behind the scenes look at the show itself.
According to several news sources, the competition for the title has heated up tremendously and become in more ways than one a challenge between viewers throughout the Arab world on whom they will choose to be the winner. The matter has become an extra sensitive issue especially in Jordan and Syria with campaigns calling for a patriotic stance to be taken and people requested to make a vote for the one representing their country.
Both contestants have been guest on a number of talk shows since the previous episode and have received a number of criticism from viewers some being negative, while others giving them full support.
The episode tonight is said to be a very intriguing one with both contestants performing four different songs, which they hope will reach people hearts and brings them the largest number of viewers’ votes as possible. It was added that the show will host the
Last week, crowds of angry Lebanese mobbed the Future studio in Beirut to protest the elimination of the Lebanese contestant Milhim Zein from the singing contest. The unexpected and shocking announcement caused for an uncontrollable chaos to take place with fans of the singer refusing to accept that Milhim is out of the competition especially since he was the one most suited for first place.
It was revealed that the reason behind decision of who stays and who leaves is plain politics. Many believe that the decision was changed at the last minute, especially since the previous episodes of the show the Syrian contestant had received the least amount of votes and was most probable of being eliminated. Diana and Rwaida remained to compete for the crown, and had fainted in the tumult and were taken to hospital after fans of Milhim began storming to the stage where they were sitting trying to assault them for the unjust act of eliminating him.
It was said that in Syria different government and private institutions had announced their full support to Rwaida and had gone overboard in making sure everyone was giving his/her voice to her. Some news sources revealed that in Jordan, an order was passed to the entire military to vote for Diana. In addition the Jordan television network, newspapers, and radio stations have throughout the competition held a huge advertising campaign in support of Diana.
With regards to Milhim it was stated that no Lebanese government of even private institutions held any form of campaign for him, and his winning depended solely on his popularity among people. Ali Jaber, executive manager of the competition sponsor Future TV, said Zein had lost in a fair contest judged by viewers who voted by phone, Internet and text message.
Witnesses said clashes erupted in the studio after viewers voted Zein out of the semi-final round of the televised contest. A mob of Lebanese vented the fury outside the studio and in front of the hotel where the contestants were staying. "With our blood and souls, we sacrifice for you Milhim," the protesters chanted, waving pictures of the defeated singer. –Albawaba.com
