Arab Idol's Final Bloopers: Tears to Trousers

From the commotion caused by the only female judge, loud-mouthed Emriati Ahlam, to the debate on how fair this 'amateur' contest has been, Arab Idol [1] has been the talk of 2012.

Whether it's Ahlam's fashion faux pas or Jordanian contestant's tears [2] or even the departed Arafat's oscillating nationality, it's all been up for commentary - emotional and comedic.

Here are some reminders of the talking points, ahead of today's final showing of Arab Idol [3].

Egypt Vs. Morocco - who will it be? The lovely Carmen or the soulful Dunya?

Here are some reminders of the talking points, ahead of today's final showing of Arab Idol.

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Ahlam gets judged at trouser-gate: The UAE judge got the Arab judging treatment, with viewers all trouser talk! Her unseemly tighter than tight 'Cameltoe' trousers (pants) got more mentions than the singing stars. Her answer to the media the morning after: 'Are you here to watch & vote for the talented contestants or to comment on my clothes?'

Ahlam's fashion sense stirs commotion: The gaudy jewel encrusted croc from Cavalli went down as another 'vulgar' fashion faux-pas. This crowded crocodile bracelet centre-piece and unwitting show attraction, diverted eyes from the voice-gems on stage to the judge panel.

Yousef Arafat's tears were no 'crocodile' tears for emotional impact. Yousef Arafat, Jordan's strong hope, made a tearful exit performance last week under duress to sing while worse for wear. He had suffered a bout of food poisoning, even rumored to be a sabotage attempt! While singing his blood pressure crashed with his hopes for the final.

Marred by controversy over contestants credibility: An amateur vs. professional debate has broken out, spilling into other talk shows. By the rule book, Arab Idol is an amateur singer competition. Carmen, the finalist had sung for Egyptian opera in the past. Tony Khalifeh on Lil Nashr has a 17 minute gripe about MBC's Arab Idol.

Ahlam was picked on for her English too. Not necessarily a standard entry requirement for 'Arab Idol', you'd think. Apparently her accent and pronunciation left room for improvement. An Ahlam classic impression has been her unique pronunciation of Twitter as

Compelling viewing: Arab Idol this year has been more addictive than than Cadburies Dairy Milk, said one observer.

The female show-down between the finalists, Egypt's Carmen Slaiman (left) and Morocco's Dunya Batma (right): So it's a face-off between North African Arabic rivals. Kushary takes on Cous Cous (each country's respective national dish).