I know we’ve already written about all the international permutations of American Idol, from China’s racist one, to my hometown’s own version, to Indonesia’s painful remake of Linkin Park. . . but this latest find really takes “Idol” to a different level. In Malaysia, a TV station has joined forces with the government’s Islamic affairs department to create Imam Muda, or “Young Leader.” The winner, to be chosen on today’s finale, gets a job as a religious leader, as well as a scholarship to study in Saudi Arabia and an all-expenses-paid trip to Mecca, Islam’s holiest city. To make the prize just that much sweeter, they’re throwing in cash and a car.
More than 1,000 people applied, but the show casted only 10 people. The show has gotten a ton of young followers, and its Facebook page has over 50,000 fans.
More pics from the show here!
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This is so interesting. Great find Sooz!
imam muda program is the best for ever…i support!