Forgot a third article that's also very informative

http://www.pri.org/arts-entertainment/arts/arabic-poetry-tv.html

from there:

“The Millions’ Poet” is the Arab world's "American Idol," but it's not about music; it's all about poetry.

Throughout much of the Arab world, millions of television sets are tuned to a wildly popular show. Think of it as the Arab version of "American Idol." The producers scout out talent from Saudi Arabia to Jordan to Kuwait. A panel of jurors hand-picks 48 contestants. The competition is stiff.

For 16 weeks, the contestants battle it out for a grand prize. By the way, one big difference between "American Idol" and this program? The contestants aren’t singing Elton John or Rihanna. In fact, they’re not singing at all. They’re reciting poetry. The show is called “The Millions’ Poet.” Mona al Ruwaini is a producer on the program out of Abu Dhabi, in the United Arab Emirates. She tells us the show is now in its third season.
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