The family says social media has also been a platform where Islamic hardliners have criticized use of the world "idol" in the name of the show.

CNN: 'Arab Idol's' first contestant from Gaza grabs spotlight

Dennis had made a world champion of Hamilton's idol, Ayrton Senna, something not lost on the young racer when he met Dennis for the first time.

CNN: The man behind Hamilton's F1 dream

He is an icon and idol who has made this world we live in a better place.

CNN: Internet mourns Steve Jobs' resignation

Now in its second season, " Arab Idol" has gripped audiences across the world with contestants who represent many of the Middle East's struggles.

CNN: 'Arab Idol's' first contestant from Gaza grabs spotlight

The first three national anthem singers at the World Series were country artists: "American Idol" winner Scotty McCreery, Trace Adkins and Ronnie Dunn (of the former Brooks and Dunn).

CNN: Obsessions: Crazy about country music

Like his idol Donovan, Casey raided the corporate world, Wall Street, academia and so forth for the kind of people he needed -- people who thought fast, could spot a pattern with the fewest possible facts, get their point across to everyone else and hit the enemy hard.

CENTERFORSECURITYPOLICY: Center For Security Policy

In Woody Allen's "Purple Rose of Cario, " he played a matinee idol who walks off the movie screen and into the real world with Mia Farrow.

CNN: Review: 'Pleasantville' more than pleasant -- it's brilliant

Up until this week, this particular piece of circuitry was the title holder for "world's thinnest smartphone, " measuring in at 6.55mm thick. (The Alcatel Idol Ultra now claims this title at 6.45mm, although it's technically not on sale yet.) Despite the small package, it also professes to pack a hefty audio punch, boasting a pair of Beyerdynamic MMX 71 iE earphones and Cirrus Logic CS4398 DAC.

ENGADGET