Ethiopian Idols

ADDIS ABABA, Ethiopia - "Ethiopian Idols" is a far cry from the glamour and glitz of its U.S. and British inspirations.

Yellowed satin sheets and signs taped to the walls provide the backdrop for a set hastily constructed each week in a shabby hotel restaurant while waiters peer in. Performers have to contend with frequent power cuts, feedback from poor sound equipment and ringing cell phones.

But "Ethiopian Idols" has it own answer to Simon Cowell — the acerbic judge on the American and British versions. Feleke Hailu disses contestants by telling them they "sing like donkeys."