Arabian Idol

From Guardian Unlimited

They have no over-the-hill 'stars' paid to act as obnoxious judges, nor fourth rate actor-waiters hired to sing badly and make fools of themselves. (Explain to me, why is that entertainment?) But, apparently, they do have a beautiful and leggy female presenter, the over-designed sets, a sweeping walkway, giant video screens, a revolving stage bathed in lilac lights and electronic key pads to vote for your favourite performer.

This is Pop Idol, Abu Dhabi-style. Organised as part of the The Abu Dhabi International Book Fair (March 31 - April 7), The Millions' Poet contest is part of a wider cultural initiative by the Crown Prince Mohammed bin Zayed Al-Nahyan that includes museum projects, book prizes and incentives for publishers to relocate to Abu Dhabi.

Contestants are from all the Arab nations and they recite their own poetry, composed in a traditional Bedouin style called Nabati that dates back to the fourth century. The judges are respected academics and poets. And there are no personalised slurs. Nor is there gushing and fawning. The prize is one million dirham (or just under RM1.2m or US$335,000.00).

Read more: http://books.guardian.co.uk/poetry/features/0,,2045551,00.html