Riyadh (Agencies): The annual Joy Awards, Saudi Arabia’s largest celebration of Arab talent and achievements, dazzled audiences on Saturday with electrifying performances and star-studded appearances at the Kingdom Arena.
The evening began with a captivating performance by Christina Aguilera, who sang her iconic hits “The Voice Within” and “Genie in a Bottle”. Other standout performances included a unique collaboration between Saudi musical legend Mohammed Abdo and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli, who blended Gulf and Italian musical styles.
A memorable highlight was the duet by Lebanese singer Wael Kfoury and Canadian artist Michael Bublé, delivering an extraordinary bilingual rendition of Frank Sinatra’s “My Way”, blending English and Arabic.
Hollywood stars such as Amanda Seyfried, Morgan Freeman, and Matthew McConaughey graced the ceremony’s iconic lavender carpet. US actress Kate Siegel, attending her first event in Saudi Arabia, wore a stunning pearly white and black draped gown by Saudi designer Abadia, showcasing local fashion on the global stage.
Lebanese actress Nawal Kamel, wearing a silver-studded gown by designer Joelle Nemnum, expressed her excitement: “I can’t believe I’m here. The Saudis are incredibly kind and welcoming. It’s an honor to witness the Joy Awards.”
The Joy Awards, co-organized by MBC Group and the General Entertainment Authority as part of Riyadh Season, honor leading artists in the Arab world. Winners were selected via public voting through a dedicated app. The ceremony celebrated achievements across various categories, reflecting the region’s thriving cultural and entertainment scene.