Controversy hits ‘The Voice’ as fans question voting integrity

AMMAN – Since the finale of the latest season of The Voice: Ahla Sawt, Syrian singer Joudi Shaheen has been at the centre of both celebration and debate online, following her win as the season’s top contestant. Discussions have focused on the show’s voting process and the pre-recorded nature of the episodes, raising questions about whether the judges, Rahma Riad, Nassif Zeytoun, and Ahmed Saad, knew the winner in advance.

Social media chatter intensified when fans noted that Zeytoun is currently in Australia with his wife, singer Daniella Rahme, which some took as evidence that the finale had been filmed in advance. Many suggested that contestants and judges were reacting to a pre-determined outcome, even if it was never explicitly revealed to viewers.

Riad addressed the controversy in a video posted to her official Instagram and X accounts, confirming that all episodes of the show had been pre-recorded.

"All episodes you watched from the beginning to the end were recorded. For the finale, each contestant filmed a reaction as if they had won, and then the scene of the actual winner, as chosen by the public vote, was aired. What you saw was not acting; we lived the moment genuinely,” she explained.

Riad added that this method is standard practice across all global versions of the show, allowing artists to meet other commitments without being tied to live broadcasting. She urged fans not to question the legitimacy of the voting or Joudi’s victory.

"We genuinely did not know the winner. When I watched the broadcast yesterday, Joudi’s reaction was real;  she had no idea she would win," Riad said.

The finale showcased fierce competition among the remaining contestants. Ashraqat Ahmed from Zeytoun’s team delivered a standout performance of the late singer Zekra’s “Wa Hayati Andak,” while Mohannad Al-Basha of Saad’s team left a lasting impression with his final-stage performance.

Ultimately, Shaheen triumphed, winning the sixth season after securing the highest percentage of public votes. Her moving rendition of Sherine Abdel Wahab’s “Mathasbnesh” captivated viewers and sealed her victory. Riad shared her excitement, posting a video of her own emotional reaction to the announcement.

Despite the clarification, some fans still argued that live broadcasting of the finale would have been preferable, even if the rest of the season is pre-recorded. Previous contestants have described the challenges of participating in the show, including the disappointment of filming episodes that were ultimately cut.

For the coaches and contestants, however, the focus remained on the journey and the artistic growth experienced throughout the competition. Zeytoun congratulated Shaheen on Instagram, sharing behind-the-scenes footage and writing, "This is the end of a season full of emotions and real talent. Congratulations Joudi, wishing you a career full of success."

Shaheen herself dedicated her win to her father, whose support she described as instrumental.
"My father’s cheers reached my heart before I even stepped on stage. When your family is your first supporter, the dream knows no bounds. I will continue with your support and votes,"she said.

From her debut performance of Umm Kulthum’s “Gholobt Asaleh Fi Rouhi,” Shaheen captured the attention of the judges, sparking a competitive fight among them. Ahmed Saad even used the “block” feature to prevent Zeytoun from recruiting her, but she ultimately joined Riad’s team and embarked on a journey that culminated in her victory.

Coaches and participants reflected on the season with warmth and gratitude. Ashraqat Ahmed, who narrowly missed the title, expressed her pride and appreciation for the experience.

"I won the love and support of the audience. I am proud to be the most-watched, most-interacted-with, and most-loved. Congratulations to my friend Joudi. This is not the end of the journey; it’s just the beginning," she said.

Riad also expressed her emotional attachment to the season, highlighting the bonds formed and the intensity of the experience in Jordan, while Zeytoun acknowledged the bittersweet feeling of farewells, noting that parting always carries a pang, however lightly masked with humour.

The Voice: Ahla Sawt continues to showcase exceptional vocal talent, building on a format that began in the Netherlands in 2010 and has since become a global phenomenon. Its recent revival, featuring a new judging panel and fresh competitions, demonstrates the show’s enduring popularity across the Arab world.