– 40,000 contestants from 80 countries participate
– The largest financial prize in the history of talent competitions of this kind in the world, especially competitions of a religious nature
JEDDAH, Saudi Arabia, April 8, 2022 /PRNewswire/ — A unique international competition is being held in Saudi Arabia these days, targeting talented people with beautiful voices without the accompaniment of musical instruments. More than 40,000 people from 80 countries participated in the competition by sending recordings of their voices reciting verses of the Holy Quran (the holy book in Islam) or delivering the Islamic call to prayer (Adhan), after the entertainment authority in Saudi Arabia launched this competition under the name Scent of Speech (Otr Elkalam).
A snapshot showing one of the participants in the competition for the most beautiful voice, which is shown on the official Saudi television
The entertainment authority in Saudi Arabia has allocated the largest financial prize in the history of talent competitions of this kind in the world, especially competitions of a religious nature, with a value of $3.2 million.
The first-place winner with the most beautiful voice in reciting the Holy Quran receives $1.3 million, while the first-place winner in delivering the call to prayer receives $533,000. The remaining prize money is divided among six other contestants.
The competition combines good performance and the laws of melody, targeting the beauty of voice without the accompaniment of music. The competition is divided into two tracks, the first of which is reciting the Holy Quran with a variety of vocal patterns, and the second is the Islamic call to prayer (Adhan).
More than 40,000 contestants from 80 countries around the world participated in this rare competition, which is broadcast on official state TV during the month of Ramadan. After several qualifiers and stages, 36 candidates reached the finals. The finalists come from different countries, including Britain, Canada, Saudi Arabia, Iraq, Egypt, Algeria, Iran, Malaysia, Indonesia and Turkey. At this stage, the competition is limited to the finalists, who include 18 contestants in the recitation of the Holy Quran track and 18 contestants in the call to prayer track.
The finalists are currently competing in the qualifiers in the Scent of Speech (Otr Elkalam) TV show, during which their performance is evaluated by a panel of 12 international judges, who then announce the final winners and their prizes.
Support Independent Community Journalism
Dear Reader,The Indian Sun exists for one reason: to tell stories that might otherwise go unheard.
We report on local councils, state politics, small businesses and cultural festivals. We focus on the Indian diaspora and the wider multicultural community with care, balance and accountability. We publish in print and online, send regular newsletters and produce video content. We also run media training programs to help community organisations share their own stories.
We operate independently.
Community journalism does not have the backing of large media corporations. Advertising revenue fluctuates. Platform algorithms change. Costs continue to rise. Yet the need for credible, grounded reporting in a multicultural Australia has never been greater.
When you support The Indian Sun, you support:
• Independent reporting on issues affecting migrant communities
• Coverage of local and state decisions that shape daily life
• A platform for small businesses and community groups
• Media training that builds skills within the community
• Journalism accountable to readers
We cannot cover everything, but we work to cover what matters.
If you value thoughtful reporting that reflects Australia’s diversity, we invite you to contribute. Every donation helps us maintain the quality and consistency of our work.
Please consider making a contribution today.
Thank you for your support.
The Indian Sun Team
