MBC4 and MBC MASR have officially announced jury for The X Factor 2015. Ragheb Alama, Elissa, and Donia Samir Ghanem, three names that resonate across the music and entertainment industry, have signed up as the jury to find the one singing sensation that has “The X Factor”.

Ragheb Alama, who was replaced by Wael Kfoury on Arab Idol season 3, says in a press statement: “I have always considered myself a member of the MBC family and I hope that the viewers are just as excited about the new show and jury line-up as I am. The program doesn’t resemble any of the other talent programs on television, the way we select performers, the way the show builds each week, the anticipation, they’re completely different to other shows”. In the end, the aim “is to find an Arab star that has “The X Factor” regardless of his identity or affiliation”.

According to Elissa, what makes “The X Factor” is that “performers must have charisma, a different view, they must feel the music in their blood, and they need a personal approach that warms the hearts of the audience, in addition to having a great voice”.

However, sound alone will not be sufficient in deciding who will win “The X Factor”. Donia Samir Ghanem, an Egyptian singer and the daughter of renowned comedy actor, Samir Ghanem, says: “There’s always that hidden element of stardom inherent in the character of someone who goes on to win. One can enter the public arena teeming with followers, but there are those who draw the attention of everyone all at once because of their inherent “X Factor”, she says.

Mazen Hayek, MBC Group official spokesman and group director of PR & Commercial says: “We are delighted to add The X Factor to the MBC strong line-up of global talent shows. Viewers in the MENA region will be able to benchmark MBC The X Factor with the global version of the same show. Saturday, March 12 will witness the great start of MBC The X Factor on-screen.”

Members of the jury have finished filming the initial “auditions” qualification phase, and more details will be officially announced at a mega press conference in Dubai, on Wednesday 11March, along with all of the production details related to the show.