Ahmed Saad Faces Backlash for Wearing Earrings at Joy Awards 2025
Egyptian singer Ahmed Saad found himself at the center of a social media storm after appearing at the Joy Awards 2025 ceremony in Riyadh wearing earrings. The event, held on January 18, 2025, brought together a constellation of global stars, including Anthony Hopkins, Hans Zimmer, Amr Diab, adn Christina Aguilera, but it was Saad’s fashion choice that stole the spotlight.
This isn’t the first time Saad has faced criticism for his accessories. In May 2023, during a concert as part of the Jeddah season activities, he wore an earring for the first time, sparking similar backlash. Addressing the controversy during an appearance on the “Sold Out” programme with journalist Mahmoud Saad, the singer expressed regret but also defended his choice.
“I regret that I wore the earrings. The West very much wears earrings according to their traditions and such,and the earrings have nothing to do with women,so it is not only women. Many young men wear it in a certain fashion. The world has become open now; it is no longer like in the past. The whole world is busy on each other,” Saad explained.
The Joy Awards, part of Saudi Arabia’s Vision 2030 Quality of Life Programme, is a prestigious event where the public votes for winners across six categories: music, cinema, drama series, directors, sports, and influencers. This year’s ceremony, held at Riyadh Boulevard, was a star-studded affair, with luminaries like Thierry Henry and Basem Samra gracing the lavender carpet.
Saad’s earrings, however, became a talking point, overshadowing the event’s glitz and glamour. Social media users were divided, with some criticizing the singer for his unconventional choice, while others defended his right to self-expression.
To provide a clearer picture of the controversy, here’s a summary of key details:
| Event | Date | Location | Controversy |
|————————–|——————|————–|——————————————|
| joy Awards 2025 | January 18, 2025 | Riyadh | Ahmed Saad wears earrings, faces backlash |
| Jeddah Season Concert | may 2023 | Jeddah | First time Saad wears earrings, criticized |
For those interested in seeing Saad’s appearance at the May 2023 ceremony, watch the embedded video here. To hear his full response to the criticism, check out his interview on “Sold Out” here.As the debate continues, one thing is clear: Ahmed Saad’s fashion choices have sparked a conversation about tradition, modernity, and self-expression in the Arab world. What are your thoughts on this controversy? Share your opinions in the comments below.
