I have been a keen follower of American Idol since it was first introduced in 2002. It has become a recognized springboard for launching the careers of many, Carrie Underwood being one of the most successful of the lot. The first Arab Idol was launched in 2011. It has become an instant success in the region and is being broadcast on MBC 1 and simultaneously on LBC.

I watched this particular program (“Artist exorcises demons,” May 3) and I can’t express how much I was moved by the young artist’s rendition.

Abdel Karim Hamdan of Syria had a very powerful voice and reminded me of that great Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury, who is currently leading the pack of powerful voices in business now. He showed that he can still go high and that the sky is his limit!

Although his style is totally different, we can say that we have another Psy in the making. I noticed there have been 4,557,949 views on YouTube so far for this young Syrian’s song. This number is far above any recognized Arab singer in the Arab world in this short span of time. — S.H. Moulana, Riyadh