Interview: Nidal Ibourk from Arab station MBC's "The Voice"

Nidal Ibourk at MBC's "The Voice"

The competition is heating up at Arab satellite station MBC's "The Voice", where impressive music talents from all over the Middle East have been pitting their voices against each other. The show is similar to its namesake, here, in the US and its contestants being judged by Arab singing legends Assi El Halani of Lebanon, Shirine Abdel Wahab of Egypt, Kathem El Saher of Iraq and Saber Robai of Tunisia, each of them household names in the Middle East.

The Atlantic Post's Jamal Laoudi spoke with Nidal Ibourk, a Moroccan-American vocalist who passed stage 1 of the competition last week, and discussed a wide range of topics from competition formats to team selections to preparations.

Here are a few excerpts from the interview-

On her choice of song: …I chose a hard song because I belong to the classical school and that song shows my vocal capabilities. Also, because I wanted to differentiate myself from the rest and the judges congratulated me on the choice and my performance…

On her performance: …I was focusing on my performance and my presence on stage. I knew that more than 1 judge would turn because I trust my voice and I have a unique style from the rest of the contestants.

On her choice of team: My initial option was between Kathem and Assi. I feel their background is very close to mine both in terms of classical or Lebanese styles especially since I sing Fayrouz and Rahabina’s songs…

On her plan going forward: I am focused on showing my uniqueness, vocally and presence-wise. I am happy that a lot of people are noticing that already, and that I positively represent my country in the competition.

On the rest of the competitors: …I have got to know some great people and friends. We are becoming closer as some of us left the competition after the blinds…

Read the full interview here.

Watch her perform at "The Voice" here.

-Ajay Venkataraman