The new season of Arab Idol has launched on MBC1, Thursday, after the launch of  regional versions in more than 44 countries around the world, to place Arab talent on the road to professionalism and stardom. The judging panel comprises singers Ragheb Alama, Ahlam, and composer Hassan El-Shafeiy. In the first few episodes of the show, audiences will follow the Arab Idol crew and judges around Arab countries to view auditions and to listen to talents worthy of the next round. The show will focus on the raw voice of contestants, their singing performance, their characters as artists and their gradual development through the programme’s stages, in addition to following up with stars to promote and invest in their career, not to mention everything else that comes with a talent competition. Millions across the Arab world are anxious to know who will win the competition and become an ‘Idol’. The winner will be chosen by popular vote open to the general public. Arab Idol broadcasts on MBC1 every Friday at 6:30 GMT, 9:30 KSA, with reruns broadcast on Thursday 5:30 KSA.