'Arab Idol' crowns Syrian hottie as Arab world's next big pop star

Mohammed Assaf at a rehearsal for Arab Idol. – AFP/Anwar Amro

Thanks to American Idol, the Pop Idol franchise has become an international monster spawning pop stars around the world, from France’s Julien Doré to Australia’s Guy Sebastian to our own Jaclyn Victor. But for every Idol alumni who has found longevity – Will Young, Kelly Clarkson, Carrie Underwood, Adam Lambert – plenty others have barely lasted their 15 minutes of fame. So how are Arab Idol winners doing? Let’s just say they have better careers than Taylor Hicks.