RIYADH, 17 April 2005 — April 15 was the day everyone was waiting for ever since the “Star Academy 2005” show began some three months ago. The question on everybody’s lips was “Who is going to win?
Audiences across the Middle East were once again captivated by the reality show; voting was frantic, much to the delight of the show’s creators at LBC.
Such was the interest here in the Kingdom that the prohibition of a national phone line was unable to deter the mass of Saudis, who voted internationally, in a desperate attempt to support their fellow countryman — Hisham Abdul Rahman.
Hisham was nominated no fewer than four times and each and every time, Saudis phoned in their thousands to ensure their man would reach the final.
The reality show enticed a range of demographic groups, from the young to the very old; such was the interest in this year’s competition.
This year’s final showdown was between the 21-year-old Tunisian, Amani Swisi, and 24- year -old, Hisham. Reaching this stage of any competition would be deemed a success, but of course everybody wanted to know who would be crowned the winner of Star Academy 2005.
After some 3 months of intense competition, the final came down to an evening of classic Arabian songs, at the end of which the votes were tallied and the victor announced.
Tension was overwhelming as people gathered across the Kingdom to watch the excitement of the final night unfold.
With the narrowest of margins, 51 percent of the voting public, Hisham became “The Star” of Star Academy 2005.
As the result came in, many Saudis were unable to control themselves, running out on to the streets in celebration.
Some shopkeepers were even handing out free sweets to children in the streets.
When asked why Hisham won, Fawaz, 32 replied: “Because, he was natural, he didn’t pretend to be something he wasn’t, that’s why everybody loves him, and he’s really funny too.
“I was delighted with his behavior on this program and like to think of him as one of my favorite sons,” said Motlaq, a father of 14. But Basma, 16, stated: “I love Hisham; he’s so beautiful, funny and sensitive.”
Right from the very outset, Hisham expressed his disinterest in a singing career and that he only applied in order to gain fame and hopefully use the show to pursue a career in acting.
Hisham’s prize of $50,000 and a new Ford car are soon to become insignificant as the great torrent of contractual offers begins to flood in.
Undoubtedly, both contestants’ lives will be transformed by their new found fame as they are likely to be offered, record deals, product advertising deals, television appearances and perhaps even receive marriage proposals from adoring fans!
