a href="/myfiles/Images/2014/04/01/li01.jpg" title="Sattar Saad from Iraq won the coveted title of "The Voice." " Sattar Saad from Iraq won the coveted title of "The Voice." BEIRUT — Following a long journey of music, talent and competitiveness that lasted over three months, the second season of “The Voice” — broadcasted on MBC1 and MBC MASR simultaneously — ended with an outstanding performance by the global superstar Ricky Martin. Coach of Australia's "The Voice" performed on his new hit song “Adrenalina” as a LIVE World Premiere and “Come With Me." Iraqi national Sattar Saad, who was part of Kadim Al Saher's team, was pronounced as the winner of "The Voice" according to viewers' votes in the Middle East North Africa region. As the crowd in the studio erupted in a thunderous applause, Saad's fans in Baghdad took to the streets to mark their happiness and celebrate. In addition to winning the title of “The Voice” season 2, Saad also earned a contract with Universal Music Group, a brand new 2014 Chevrolet Camaro SS as well as a trip on a cruise to attend and be part of the 4th season of MBC1's “Stars On Board” program with other stars. Post the grand finale, which enjoyed high viewership, MBC Group held a press conference that included the winner Saad, four star-coaches Kadim Al Saher, Shereen Abdulwahab, Saber Al Robaei and Assi Al Hellani, in addition to Mazen Hayek, MBC Group's Official Spokesman and Group Director of PR and Commercial. Saad expressed his joy on winning the title and gratitude to fans, supporters and voters, especially his coach Al Saher, who believed in his talent and was keen on transitioning his experience and fame via his coaching, nurturing and direct training sessions — all which pushed him further to this title and glory. He particularly thanked all those who voted for him in the finale, including the MBC Group and the production team behind the program that gave him this opportunity to showcase his talent, shine and move closer to stardom in not only the MENA region but around the world. Saad's coach Al Saher spoke about the winner's exceptional talent and said that it was a very deserving win. Al Saher further talked about the high standards and talents generally showcased by the candidates during this season. He said that they represent the true side of the real entertainment genre throughout the Arab world. Hayek said that the second season of “The Voice” was a genuine evolution of talents in the region, and that the program achieved all its expected results, and contributed to the commitment of further placing the MENA region on the global entertainment map. “The Voice witnessed high viewership ratings, and was a very engaging program, for all age groups, especially youngsters, which was reflected by the voting and the social media platforms in the Arab world," he added. "The star-coaches have given the contestants and the audience alike the best of their experiences, thus helping to position the program as a vibrant and premium one, while entertaining audiences and making them move beyond the strict interpretation of fierce competition to camaraderie." The MBC Group's Official Spokesman confirmed that the program will come back with its third season next year. He also thanked everyone involved in the success of the program, including Sony Pictures Television Arabia, co-producers of the show, TALPA, The Intellectual Property Right / format owners' worldwide, MBC production team, and the press and media for their continuous efforts and support. — SG
