Will The Voice: Ahla Sawt finally have its first winner from the Gulf?

We take a look at all four finalists competing in the final round of the talent show

The coaches of The Voice: Ahla Sawt (L-R) Assi Helani, Ahlam, Elissa and Hamaki (Courtesy MBC)

The fourth season of The Voice: Ahla Sawt is set to finish in grand style on Saturday night with MBC broadcasting the live finale from Beirut at 10.30pm UAE time.  It will be interesting to see who will win as the final result, based on public votes, will be a judgment on both the singing talent as well as the coaching methods of the show's new mentors. The Voice: Ahla Sawt undertook a major shake-up this season by enlisting three new coaches alongside the veteran Lebanese crooner Assi Helani. Tonight will determine if Emirati and Lebanese divas Ahlam and Elisa's bombastic styles, not to mention the low key approach of Egyptian pop star Hamaki, will result in a winner in their debut season as coaches. Let's take a look at the competing sides.

Team Ahlam

It is no surprise the Emirati singer would arrive to the final with a more classical artist. Those who followed her stint on Arab Idol would know that Ahlam, despite her penchant for dazzling gowns and jewellery, was always interested in substance over style. And with the Iraqi singer Dumooa Tahseen she found a great voice that should appeal to older voters with a style that favours elegant balladry over radio friendly tunes.

Team Hamaki

It took a while for the Egyptian pop star to warm up in the coaching chair. Where early episodes found him at loss when it comes to instructing his troops, Hamaki eventually found his footing and helped steer Sarhan Issam to the final. The Moroccan contestant’s booming voice goes down a treat when it comes to singing traditional folk songs, yet his performances has not been consistent enough to mark him out as a clear favourite in the competition. He will need to bring his A game tonight to take out the tile.

Team Elissa

Lebanese pop star Elissa had a habit of becoming quite aloof or dismissive in the audition rounds, but as soon as soon as she heard the delicate voice of Hela Melki she was sold. Elissa’s coaching style, which is akin to having a demanding big sister, has done a good job of advancing Melki to the final round and thus making her a dark horse to win the competition.

Team Assi

Could the The Voice: Ahla Sawt finally have its first winner from the Gulf? The chances are solid with Kuwaiti singer Yusuf Sultan, who is being mentored by Lebanese singer Assi Helani. In a way, it is perfect match. As someone who possesses a powerful voice of his own, Helani knew what he was doing when it came to finessing Sultan's performances throughout the competition. A good performance tonight and Sultan has a great chance of winning the competition.

The Voice: Ahla Sawt airs on Saturday at 10.30pm UAE time on MBC. For details go to www.mbc.net

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