The Syriac-Palestinian grew up in Bethlehem and is part of a small community of Assyrians. (MBC)
ishtartv.com - english.alarabiya.net
Sunday,
26 February 2017
Palestinian
contestant Yacoub Shaheen has been crowned the fourth Arab Idol as millions
tuned in to watch him compete against fellow compatriot Amir Dandan and Yemeni
singer Ammar Mohammad.
Shaheen
followed in the footsteps of compatriot Mohammed Assaf, the winner of season 2
in 2013, and has become the second Palestinian to win the title.
Thousands
showed up in Bethlehem where a screen was set up at the Nativity Square.
The
Syriac-Palestinian grew up in Bethlehem and quickly became an audience favorite
during the early weeks of competition given his polished look and soulful
voice.
“This
title is just a name for me because my idols are my compatriots Ammar and Amir.
Ammar you’ve raised your country’s name, Yemen, very high and I’m sure they are
all proud of you,” said as the show closed for a final time this season.
The
show’s host confirmed the season 4’s finale had the largest number of votes in
all seasons that show has run.
The
Arab Idol winner’s prize will include a chance to join the Arab world’s biggest
celebrities on the entertainment cruise ship Stars On Board, and a recording
contract with Platinum Records.
“I’m
disappointed that I wasn’t able to make Yemen happy today with a win but I’m
very happy for Palestine, they deserve it a lot,” Ammar Mohammed told Al
Arabiya’s Jamil Daher immediately following the end of the show.
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