BEIRUT, February 26, 2017 (WAFA) – Palestinian finalist Yacoub Shahin Saturday won the Arab Idol title in the fourth season of the biggest singing show in the Arab world.

Shahin, 24, from the city of Bethlehem, the occupied West Bank, became the second Palestinian to win the title after Mohammad Assaf, from the Gaza Strip won the second season of the show in 2013.

Shahin competed against Amir Dandan, a Palestinian from the Israeli village of Majd al-Krum, and Yemini national Ammar al-Azaki.

After being crowned as winner, Shahin dedicated his victory to his fellow contestants and the Palestinian people in Palestine and abroad.

“The title is just a name for me and I dedicate it to my real idols, Ammar and Amir,” said Shahin as he wrapped up a powerful performance of the famous song “Wein A’ Ramallah” with Dandan and Assaf after his won.

Thousands of proud Palestinians including Shahin’s family and friends gathered in Bethlehem’s Manger Square where a big display screen was set up for people to watch the final episode and enjoy both Friday’s performances and watch the live announcement.

Large screens were also set up in Dandan’s hometown where thousands gathered to cheer for Dandan who managed to build an immense fan base in a very short time.

Yasser Abbas, son of President Mahmoud Abbas, General Manager of the Palestinian Broadcasting Corporation Ahmad Assaf, and Bethlehem Mayor Vera Baboun attended the final performance in Beirut on Friday.

The show’s host, Egyptian singer and actor Ahmad Fahmi, said the fourth season had the largest number of votes cast yet in all four seasons.

As winner of the show, Shahin will join a trip with other Arab singers and celebrities on the entertainment cruise ship ‘Stars On Boards’ and will be signed to Platinum Records label to launch his music career.

“Arab Idol” is the Arabic version of the American singing show “American Idol”.

K.T/M.H