Elissa (singer)

Elissa

Elissar Zakaria Khoury (Arabic: إليسار زكريا خوري) (born October 27, 1972 in Deir el Ahmar, Lebanon), professionally known as Elissa (Arabic: إليسا) is a Lebanese singer and occasional model with multiple Arabic and International awards. She is one of the most well-known female singers in the Arab world and considered as one of the best selling female artists in the Middle East.

Her breakthrough was with her third studio album Ayshalak when hits like "Ajmal Ahsaas", "Ayshalak" and "Ah min Hawak" were immediately topping charts all over the Arab world. Her international and ultimate breakthrough was with her fourth studio album Ahla Donya in 2004, selling record breaking numbers and earned Elissa her first ever World Music Award. Ever since Elissa has been continuously releasing record breaking albums and earning two more World Music Awards. Her fifth studio album Bastanak was also a highlight in her career, earning her her second World Music Award in 2006. She released Ayami Beek in 2007, her sixth studio album, the album gained extraordinary success, the sales were record breaking and her career began developing and emerging. It was considered the best selling album of 2008. In late 2009, she released her seventh studio album, Tsadaq Bmein and earning her third World Music Award for the sales of this album as it has also received tremendous international success, marking a huge step in Elissa's career. Elissa won three consecutive times for being the best selling artist in the Middle East, surpassing the likes of rivals Nancy Ajram and Amr Diab and was the first Lebanese to ever win the award in 2005, marking history for Lebanon. As of December 2010, it is believed that Elissa has sold over a staggering 30 million albums in the last decade, making her one of the best selling artists in the Middle East and Asia.

She is also known as the "Queen of Romance", or the "Queen of Elegance". Elissa was given these titles by the media and her fans, representing the overwhelming impact she has made in the Middle East through her music and image.

Biography

Born to an Arab Lebanese father (Zakaria Khoury) and an Arab Syrian mother (Youmna Saud), Elissa was raised in the Beqaa Valley in Eastern Lebanon. She earned a degree in Political Science from the Lebanese University. She is a Maronite Catholic. Elissa's father, Zakaria Khoury, who studied and taught Arabic literature, died of cancer in 2004. She has 3 brothers and 2 sisters. Her brother Kamel Khoury is a DJ. Her sister Norma is married and lives in Canada, her two other brothers are Ghassan and Jehad.

Music career

Early Career Success and Baddi Doub

Elissa's first venture into art and artistic activities consisted of acting in theaters of political critique, namely with well-known chansonnier Wassim Tabbara, and the "Theatre de 10 Heures". This was the first time she came in contact with an audience.

Main article: Baddi Doub

Her theatrical beginnings motivated her to move on to singing, which she did in 1992-3, when she participated in "Studio El Fan". The show was broadcast on LBCI, one of the most renowned TV stations in the Middle East. Elissa won a silver medal over the course of her in the program. Following this, she performed in concert until 1999, when Lido Productions released her first solo studio album titled "Baddi Doub". Elissa debut on the commercial music scene was an event of considerable importance. The album was a success, the lead single "Baddi Doub" topped charts as it had some variation of the usual Arabic Music sound with famous French gypsy act, Gerard Ferrer. The video for the song caused a lot of controversy. In the video, Elissa is seen sitting on a bed wearing a white bed sheet. For years after the video, Elissa would be asked about the 'bed sheet incident' in interviews. Elissa mentioned that she was surprised on how much controversy this has caused, especially since she was almost completely covered up, and indeed there are other artists who wear far more 'revealing' outfits on TV. Not to be beaten, Elissa wore a similar ensemble for the title track of her next album, "W'akherta Ma'ak". The release of this first album took her to Cannes, to participate in the International Music Festival of 2000.

W'akherta Maak (2000–2001)

Main article: W'akherta Ma'ak

Following this first success, Elissa released her second album, 'W'akherta Ma'ak' in 2000, which in turn included the hit duet 'Bitghib Betrouh', sung with Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alama. 'Bitghib Betrouh' was a huge hit all the over the Arab World, and is still being played on radio and TV today, more than 9 years after its initial release. It also sold more than 200,000 copies.

Elissa had a duet with the international artist Chris de Burgh in an Arabic-English song titled "Lebanese Nights", which was written, composed and distributed by DeBurgh.He decided to sing it with a Lebanese singer, and chose Elissa. The song was recorded in London and released in DeBurgh's 2002 Album, Timing Is Everything.

Ayshalak and breakthrough (2002–2003)

Main article: Ayshalak

Elissa's first encounter with true stardom was in 2002, when she released her third album, Ayshalak. The hit title song, a Mohamed Refai-Hossam Habib-Jean-Marie Riachi collaboration, was later remade into Turkish by Gökhan Özen (Kader Utansin) and Serbian by Funky G (Fatalna). Apart from the unique Ayshalak, most of the album has the Latin-Arabic mix that was prevalent in her debut release, Baddi Doub. The mellow Agmal Ehsas with its swooping strings, and catchy chorus, was also a huge hit and you can still catch the video on TV from time to time. The dramatic Ah Men Hawak and Ba'da are the album's ballads, and both have the Latin pop feel to them to, though the latter employs a faster, more Arabic beat. Marsellais gypsy artist Gérard Ferrer, who was featured on every track of her debut album, returns here with Sheltak Men Albi, which he both composed and duets on. Shou El Hal is a remake of Tarkan's hit Kuzu Kuzu, though Jean-Marie Riachi definitely does a lot more with the arrangement than the original. Like it's predecessor (and successor), the majority of the album is arranged by Jean-Marie Riachi, with the exception of La Trouh and Sheltak Men Albi.

The Aychalak video clip was filmed in Paris by French director Fabrice Begotti. Wardrobe and make up were provided by Christian Dior, which made Elissa the first Arab figure to represent Dior. Ajmal Ihsas, the second single off the album was directed by the Lebanese director, Selim El Turk. In 2002, Elissa won the Murex d'Or award for best female artist and the "Ajmal Ihsas" clip won the best video clip at the Arabic music awards.

Ahla Donya, international breakthrough and first World Music Award (2004–2005)

Main article: Ahla Donya

File:Elissa 2005.jpg

Elissa at the 2005 World Music Awards

Elissa's 2004 album, Ahla Donya, was a turning point for the Lebanese singer in many ways. It not only cemented her Egyptian success, got her a contract with Pepsi, and won her her first World Music Award for best selling artist of the Middle east for the sales of Ahla Donya and was the first Lebanese to win this award, Elissa also won the Murex Dor award for Best video clip, "Hobak Wajaa (Inta Lameen)". "Ahla Donia" also marked the most active point in Elissa's career. It was her last album with producer Jean Saliba, and her last collaboration with Jean-Marie Riachi, who arranged the whole album. The album is dominated by western-style ballads and Latin touches, but there are a number of songs which shine through. Elissa remakes another Turkish song here also, Bain El Ain is a cover of İzel's Dile Benden, and although I prefer İzel's voice. Jean-Marie Riachi gives the arrangement slightly more depth. The hit "Erga' Lel Shouq", Elissa's first completely Arabic-sounding single, makes you almost feel the orchestra around you. The sad "Hobbak Waja'", exhilarating "Arrabli", upbeat "Irham Albi", and emotional "Gouwaya Lik", are all more than enough to merit this album a listen. For fans of Hossam Habib, after working with her on Ayshalak, Hossam also composed "Ad Ma Bashta'lak". Jean-Marie Riachi fell out with Elissa after this album for reasons that remain unclear, but "Ahla Dounya" remains a testament to his contribution to her success.

In 2005, a Special Collector's Edition of the record was made available (1000 copies) with state-of-the-art packaging including a mini-biography.

Bastanak and second World Music Award (2006–2007)

Main article: Bastanak

After the huge success of Ahla Dounya, which garnered her her first World Music Award, Elissa returned in 2006 with Bastanak. Unlike her previous albums which were produced by Jean-Marie Riachi, numerous producers collaborated in the project. To promote the album in May 2006, Pepsi launched an international commercial in which Elissa and American pop singer Christina Aguilera sing together. Bastannak, a large-scale collaboration between both Egyptian and Lebanese musicians, was shot in Prague by Brandon Dickerson and released with the album simultaneously. Due to the fallout with Jean-Marie Riachi, who produced her previous album, Bastannak had a very different feel from its predecessor. Instead of Riachi, Michel Fadel, Dani Helou, Tamim, Claude Chalhoub, and Khaled Nabil arranged the album. Perhaps Elissa's most "Arabic" album to date, the Latin flavor that defined her in "Ayshalak" and "Ahla Donya" was toned down, and Arabic beats and strings find their way into most of the songs. The melancholic "Kermalak" (written and composed by Marwan Khoury) was an instant hit from the beginning and became the anthem of her L'Azurde jewelry campaign. "Ta'a" and "Tlob Itmana" are the most upbeat songs of the album, and the latter also became the song for the Lux soap ads which Elissa starred in. Law Ta'rafouh was a hit on radio stations even before Elissa gave it the limelight and shot the music video. "Ma Tkhafsh Menni", "Law Basseit Oddamak", and "Ba'ish Ala Hessak" are seldom talked about songs, but are all well-composed, and have great arrangements done by Michel Fadel. Marwan Khoury's other song, "Zanbi" Ana, was featured on the new edition of Buddha Bar III last year also. In 2007, Turkish singer Mustafa Sandal remade both Bastannak and Fatet Senin for his Devamı Var album and both songs met with success that the originals did. This edition of the album, which was released to celebrate her second World Music Award, comes with a vast number of pictures so only the essential covers are included, to keep the file size down.

In 2007, she recorded the song "Halili" which is a duet with the Algerian-born raï singer Cheb Mami.

As of 2010, Bastanak has sold over a huge 4,000,000 copies worldwide.

Ayami Beek (2007–2009)

Main article: Ayami Beek

Much like Bastannak vastly contrasted Ahla Donya, Ayami Beek was quite different from the album that it succeeded. The album was released in December 2007 by Rotana and has gained extraordinary success in the Arab world and is considered the best selling album in 2008 and still in the charts in all of the Arab countries. Thousands of copies were sold in the first days of the Islamic feast Eid Al Adha. The album has been number one in all Middle East charts for over 6 months. the first single of the album, "Betmoun" debuted at number 1 on Rotana's PEPSI Top 20 Charts, making it the 2nd song ever in the charts to debut at number one, even though the song dropped to number 5 the following week. The album's second single "Awakher El Shita" was released early 2009 and was also successful. This album has been selling high numbers all over the Middle East. The album depends less on pushing the envelope in musical innovation, and more the heartfelt lyrics. It's Elissa's most personal album to date, with ballads from start to finish. Michel Fadel, Yaser Nour, and George Karam are all absent from this album, but Elissa works with Walid Saad, Sherif Tag, Yehia El Hassan, Ayman Mohseb, and Tarek Madkour for the first time. Nasser El As'ad, who was missing from Elissa's past two albums, returns to her team, as do the musicians who dominated Bastannak: Marwan Khoury, Dani Helou, Tamer Ali, Tamim, and Claude Chalhoub. The title song marks Elissa's first foray into dance music, albeit with Ayshalak-esque strings maintaining the oriental feel. For the most part, it is the oriental-sounding songs, like Betmoun, Saher Aini, and Ala Hobbak, that have the most beautiful music. After the huge success Kermalak and Zanbi Ana were, Elissa's third Marwan Khoury collaboration had big shoes to fill, but like Kermalak, it practically upstaged the title song. Ya Aalem, despite the weak intro, and Ana Bastaghrab Aleih are easily the most powerful of the western-style ballads, but it's Saher Aini that takes the cup for the combination of beautiful lyrics and rich oriental music.

In February 2009, Elissa worked with Fadl Shaker, a Lebanese singer, on a duet called "Jowa El Rooh", the song can be found on Fadl's 2009 studio album, Ba'da Al Bal. Unfortunately, this project was not promoted enough either, it was supposed to be shot a video clip, but because of Fadl's filled schedule, and Elissa's then problems with Rotana, as some media resources say, the music video shooting was canceled. In the summer of 2009 there had been rumors that there were problems between Elissa and Rotana, her record label, but she signed a new contract with Rotana.

Tsadaq Bmein, third World Music Award and new album (2009–present)

Main article: Tsadaq Bmein

File:Elissa Tsadaq Bmein.jpg

Performing "Tsadaq Bmein" in Lebanon

Elissa's long-awaited seventh "Tsadaq Bmein" was released on December 26, 2009. The production includes 13 songs mixed between Lebanese and Egyptian dialects. Elissa collaborated with a group of professional songwriters and composers. The album was very highly successful and sold millions of copies all over the Middle East, and for the third time in her career, Elissa won the 2010 World Music Award for best selling artist of the Middle East for the sales of this album. She also won the Murex d'Or award for Best Lebanese Singer and was honored for winning the World Music Award for the third time in her career. She scored four Celebrity Student Awards for Best Lebanese Singer, Best Song, Best Album and Achievement Award for winning the World Music Awards for the 3rd time in her career and being the first Lebanese to win it. Ironically, this is Elissa's lengthiest album so far has the smallest number of composers, and is noticeably even more lyric-focused than its predecessor. After reasonable success with Khod Balak Alaya last year, Walid Saad is back with five songs, including the title song, a catchy ballad reminiscent of both Jannat's Ana Donyetou and the solo violin from Elissa's own Ayami Beek. Ma Aash Wala Kan adds a fun air of nostalgia with the 1980s pop influence coupled with some strings, even though Nader Abdallah too seems to be reworking his lyrics from Ayami Beek here. Men Gheir Monasba delves into a darker theme, that of an abusive partner, but the quintessential ballad music and beats are slower and less interesting. Eisha Wel Salam is a more jazzy Latin number, and Elissa excels with the genre. Tamim's choice of simple trumpets, strings, and solos is perfect too. Masdouma is like much of the "Egyptian chillout" Tamim excels at with Tamer Ali, except it's composed by Walid Saad. The song is sweet and pleasant but nothing groundbreaking.

Marwan Khoury makes his biggest contribution to Elissa yet here, with three songs. Amri La Rabbi, arranged by Michel Fadel, is an adequate song with hopeful lyrics. Sallemli Alaih, arranged by Nasser El As'ad, brings in the kind of rich, oriental music that Kermalak and Betmoun had. Fi Shi Enkasar is a ballad characteristic of Claude Chalhoub's classically-influenced work and truly makes Elissa's vocals shine amongst the mellow harp and the moody strings. Mohamed Rehim, the man behind the 2002 hit Agmal Ehsas, returns with the beautifully heartfelt We Byestehi as well as the album's weakest song, Eftakart. A Bali Habibi is already wowing audiences with its hopelessly romantic lyrics, but the music itself is surprisingly dull for Salim Salameh and Chalhoub. Strangely, Tamer Ali, arguably Elissa's hitmaker over the past four years, has only one song, Ma Ta'rafsh Leih. The song is another relaxed piece, but his collaboration with Claude Chalhoub is interesting. Another surprise comes with the inclusion of Law Fiyeh, a 1970s Aida Chalhoub song, composed by Elias Rahbani and renewed by Jad Rahbani.

In the fall of 2010, it has been reported that Elissa has started working on her next album. She has chosen songs composed by Mohamed Rehim, Mohamed Refai and Siham Al Sha'sha'. Elissa has also decided to shoot "Tsadaq Bmein" as the next single off her album.

Commercials and Advertisements

File:Elissa Vogue.jpg

Elissa posing for an ad campaign for Vogue Eyewear in a Vogue Magazine, 2006

Elissa created a very high image for herself which made her become the most wanted artist for all prestigious brands.

Her commercial life began when she signed a deal in 2003 with Pepsi. She has already filmed the ad for Pepsi X in Spain, and in 2004 the Regular Pepsi ad filmed in Roma with famous director Roger Spottiswood. Then she shot two ads with Christina Aguilera for Pepsi for the world football cup. Both were shot in Los Angeles with famous director Tarsem Singh. The commercial was highly publicised and received a lot of success internationally.

Her second deal was with the highly prestigious manufacturer of sunglasses, Ray-Ban. Elissa ran the campaign all over the Middle-East and Arab world boosting her career very impressively.

She has also shot an advert for Lux in a huge flying bathtub.

Elissa is one of the ambassadresses for the World Gold Council in collaboration with the highly noticeable gold & jewellery collection Lazurde.

In 2007, Elissa was chosen by French company Georges Stahl to create her own perfume, and Elle D'Elissa was created, as the first international perfume for an Arab artist which caused a controversy after Lebanese star Haifa Wehbe who claimed that it was hers but Elissa didn't reply and said that the perfume is hers and only hers. Elissa chose 'Emirates Tower' in Dubai for releasing her perfume on November 14, 2007 in a big celebration covered by media and newspapers and attended by more than 200 businessmen, marketing, media, and friends.

In 2008, Elissa was the ambassadress of Samsung Mobiles and released her own mobile Samsung Music Phone that contained three of her songs "Bastanak", "Ayami Beek" and "Mush Kiteer A'alek"

Elissa has been known for being an official spokesperson for many international brands also occasionally strongly standing as an ambassador in the Arab World. Two other campaigns she has been involved in are Vogue Eyewear (right) and Corum watches.

Criticism and controversy

Baddi Doub music video controversy

Elissa's video for the title track of her album, Baddi Doub caused controversy. In the video, Elissa is seen sitting on a bed wearing a white bed sheet. For years after the video, Elissa would be asked about the 'bed sheet incident' in interviews. Elissa mentioned that she was surprised on how much controversy this has caused, especially since she was almost completely covered up, and indeed there are other artists who wear far more 'revealing' outfits on TV. Not to be beaten, Elissa wore a similar ensemble for the title track of her next album, W'akherta Ma'ak.

Amal Hijazi feuds and allegations

In 2003 Elissa accused Lebanese singer Amal Hijazi for imitating her style, especially in the video of Hijazi's song, "Bedawwar A Albi". Hijazi, however, denied the accusations, stressing that she has her own unique style and would avoid imitating any artist as she claims originality. Hijazi added that her song was filmed long before Elissa's (Hobbak Waja) and had been airing on different satellite channels for a while. In 2004, however, Hijazi put everything aside and made a personal visit to Elissa to give her condolences after she lost her father to cancer. Elissa welcomed Amal expressively and expressed her gratitude towards Amal's attempt to stand by her side at such a troublesome time. Another opinion says that since her rise to fame, Amal has been continously insulting or negatively remarking Elissa who did not and will not reply for personal reasons.

Both Amal Hijazi and Elissa are known to be as rivals and made it a point to avoid each other.

In a candid interview with the weekly Arabic magazine Sayidaty Hijazi revealed her true feeling toward other female singers, along with other personal secrets. She stated that she is on good terms with most female singers and many of them are her friends, except Elissa. She and Elissa are not on speaking terms and she does not believe this matter will change any time soon, but despite this fact Hijazi wishes her the best.

Unlike the rumors, Hijazi stressed that she is not enemies with Elissa, stating, “We are merely two people who do not mix with one another, and if we by chance meet we just say ‘hello.’” Hijazi also stated that she does not compete with any specific singer, but rather is inspired by the success of others and strives to always do her best.

Hijazi added that she does not flaunt her body as her colleagues do, even though she may appear in some clips wearing a sexy outfit. In 2004, however, Hijazi put everything aside and made a personal visit Elissa to give her condolences after the latter lost her father to cancer. Elissa welcomed Amal with open arms and expressed her gratitude towards Amal’s attempt to stand by her side at such a troublesome time.

In 2008, there were rumors that Elissa had attempted to steal television commercials that Hijazi had been working on. Hijazi has however said that she has no clue weather Elissa has done it and later added that even if Elissa really did so, she bares no hard feelings towards her especially that an ad is something trivial to even consider.

Rivalry

Haifa Wehbe

Elissa is also known for her enmity and rivalry with Lebanese singer Haifa Wehbe. Haifa started the fire when she compared the two singers to 'cars' by saying that Elissa is an 'old car' while she is a new one. Elissa refused to reply and just stated carelessly: "When someone compares me to a car, is there anything left for me to say?". This enmity stopped when Nishan had Elissa live on his show and called Haifa. Both Elissa and Haifa were surprised, but assured people that there are no problems or issues between the two singers. However, another controversy started when Haifa claimed that Elissa's perfume, "Elle D'Elissa", was supposed to be hers, but Elissa didn't reply and said that the perfume is hers and only hers. And again, Haifa and Elissa announced the love and peace between them. During the Murex D'Or 2010, after Haifa had finished her performance and accepted her award, she said that Lebanon is a country of love and that all Lebanese people love and respect each other. And to prove to people that what she was saying was true, she said "There's no problem with Elissa, and this is the proof to all people," she shook hands with Elissa and congratulated her on her success. Also, they met each other during the opening of a new beauty shop in Lebanon, and didn't hesitate to talk to each other and take photos.

Nawal Al Zoghbi

Another rivalry is with Lebanese singer Nawal Al Zoghbi when Elissa thought that the latter accused her in an indirect way of buying awards and ignoring fans in concerts. Subsequently, Elissa in a live interview was asked about who might vanish her from musically, she stated that it might be Nawal Al Zoghbi because of her accusations and possibly Haifa Wehbe. Both Nawal and Haifa acted smartly and considered that false and incorrect while stressing that they don't hold anything against Elissa as an artist and performer.

Although Elissa has had many feuds and problems with singers, composers, and musicians, she usually does not reply, or, when being accused, she usually says that it is their personal opinion and that she does not want to discuss it any further.

Artistry

File:Elissa Live Morocco.jpg

Elissa performing "Masdouma" live in Morocco, July 2010

Vocal range development and talent

Elissa's distinctive vocal range belongs to and possesses the mezzo-soprano range as she started taking vocal exercises at a young age with Star Academy Lebanon under Wadih Raad as her Vocal Coach. Raad showed her the way to sing without hurting her vocal cords. He guided Elissa and trained her voice before her career had started. Her voice has often been identified as one of the centrepieces of the Arab world. Many critics praise Elissa's voice for its originality, maturity and authenticity. Lebanese singer Ragheb Alama was the first to notice Elissa's vocal ability and talent and immediately asked to duet with her, "Betgheib Betrouh" was eventually the lead single from Elissa's second album W'akherta Ma'ak. The likes of well-known singers Laila Ghofran, Majida El Roumi,Fairuz, Nancy Ajram and Amr Diab have all praised Elissa's vocal talent. Critics describe her vocals as "arrhythmic and and full of emotion".

Image

In 2001, she took part in Jordan's Fiesta Latina. She also held a performance at the pyramids of Egypt as the opening act for British superstar Sting. In addition to this, she was the only Arabic artist to perform in front of the former U.S President Bill Clinton at the Stars Charity show in Dubai. Also present at this event were Queen Rania of Jordan and the Crown Prince of Dubai, Sheikh Mohammed Bin Rashid al Maktoum.

At the end of 2002 she inaugurated the opening of Kuwait's Virgin Megastore with Sir Richard Branson, the founder of the famous stores. Also a great success for Elissa was being included in the anthology book, 100 Pioneers of Lebanon, alongside artists such as Fairouz, Wadih el Safi, and others.

In September 2003, she performed at the Hope Charity Gala, which took place in the Royal Albert hall, one of London's most prestigious venues. Elissa was the sole representative of the Middle East among other international stars such as Sarah Brightman, Zucchero and Joaquin Cortes.

Arab's Fashion Icon

"The Queen of Elegance" was the first title given to her in reference to her classy and suave way of dressing. Elissa is the best example of a modern-classic woman, staying in tune with the latest modern trends of the high-end fashion industries. She attends most of the fashion shows of high-end couturiers such as Dior, Louis Vuitton, Elie Saab, Dolce & Gabbana and Marchesa'. She has been awarded several times by magazines and polls for her best appearances. In 2005 she attended the World Music Awards in a sky blue dress designed by Michael Kors. Soon after People Magazine took a poll comparing Elissa to Jennifer Lopez, who had also worn the same dress. Elissa won the poll with 70% of the votes. She rarely changes her hairstyle pattern and colour. Overall she is recognized as an Arabic fashion icon.

Impact

Alongside her special talent, Elissa is famous for her physique. Many describe her as a 'typical Mediterranean beauty'.

She was the first to adopt the wavy retro hairstyles of the 30's and 40's and it was her who brought to fame (alongside many Arab women) the smoky-eye make-up (by Bassam Fattouh). The media was dazzled by this Vamp-Femme Fatale make-up which fitted her so well due to her feminine features and her diamond shaped face, ever since Elissa's image was introduced to the Arab world many singers asked for restyling to adapt the look, many singers today are inspired by Elissa's image as it had such an impact on her fans and the music industry.

Personal life

In June 2010, it was rumoured that Elissa and close friend Lebaense singer Wael Kfoury were secretly engaged, however, both denied the rumour and instead another rumour has been circulating in the press that Kfoury's engagement was to a young lady outside the entertainment world.

In late 2010 Elissa was questioned over her relations with a Libyan guy, however, Elissa also denied this rumour confirming that she is still single and is waiting to start family.

She currently resides in Beirut, Lebanon.

Elissa's Famous Quotes

Thanks to all those who challenged and criticized me, I've learned that hard work eventually leads to success – Elissa, from her message to her fans in Tsadaq Bmein album cover (2009)

Awards and honors

She was awarded the Murex D'Or for being the first Lebanese to receive the World Music Award 2005. In the same event Elissa was also admired for her second success with Lebanese director Selim el Turk and received the best video clip award for the song Hobbak Waja' (directed by Selim El Turk). She was also held the Best Female artist of the year.

Elissa has won two World Music Awards for best-selling artist in the Middle East in 2005 and 2006. Total sales of her albums are close to 15 million, making her one of the most popular Lebanese singers ever. Elissa is also one of the wealthiest Lebanese singers and her wealth is estimated to be nearly $25 million.

In early 2006, Elissa released her fifth studio effort, the album Bastanak, which has sold nearly 3.2 million copies, according to Rotana. In 2006, Elissa again won the World Music Award for best-selling Middle Eastern artist from the album sales of "Bastanak", which she performed.

Tensions rose between the fans of Amr Diab and Elissa for the 2010 World Music Awards. Elissa was accused of having an unfair advantage since her album was released officially (never leaked). Many Elissa fans were even shocked at her win in comparison to Amr Diab's Wayah. Rotana submitted a statement "we are glad it was one of the artists under our label, however we were definitely expecting Amr Diab's Wayah". There is a feud going on between the Middle East to switch the results into Wayah winning. However these claims will most like not go through.

Elissa's Most Famous awards

• A Silver Medal over the course of 'Studio Al Fan' Show. 1992
• The Murex D'Or award – Best Female Artist of the Year. 2002
• Best Arabic Female Singer – Zahret El Khaleej Magazine. 2003
• Best Selling Album for a female singer in Egypt – Al Ahram Newspaper. 2004
• LG Music Festival Award. 2004
• AUST University Honoure – Lebanon. 2005
• World Music Award – Best selling Middle Eastern artist – 'Ahla Donya album.' 2005
• The Murex D'Or award – Best Female Artist of the Year. 2005
• Best Arabic Female Singer In Al Aghani Radio Station – Egypt. 2005
• Best Character of the Year – Zahret El Khaleej Magazine. 2005
• Best Video Clip Award for the song 'Hobbak Waja'. 2005
• Best Female Artist of the Year Award. 2005
• World Music Award – Best selling Middle Eastern artist – 'Bastanak album.' 2006
• An Honorable Award from the Professional Artists Union of Lebanon. 2007
• Middle East Music Award – Best Female Arab Artist. 2008
• Best dressing Arabic artist – Zahrat El Khaleej Magazine 2008.
• Best Female Artist of the Year -Big Apple Music Award 2010
• World Music Award – Best selling Middle Eastern artist – 'Tsadaq Bmein album.' 2010
• Celebrity Student Awards – Best Lebanese Singer 2010
• Celebrity Student Awards – Best Song 2010
• Celebrity Student Awards – Best Album 2010
• Celebrity Student Awards – Achievement Award 2010
• The Murex D'Or Award – Best Lebanese Singer 2010
• The Murex D'Or Award – Achievement Award 2010
• Jordan Awards - Best Arabic Female Singer 2010
• Big Apple Music Award - Most Popular Middle Eastern Artist 2010

Discography

Main article: Elissa discography

Studio albums

• 1999: Baddi Doub
• 2000: W'akherta Ma'ak
• 2002: Ayshalak
• 2004: Ahla Donya
• 2006: Bastanak
• 2007: Ayami Beek
• 2009: Tsadaq Bmein

Videography

Main article: Elissa Videography

• Baddi Doub (1998)
• W'akherta Ma'ak (2000)
• Betghib Betrouh (2000)
• Ayshalak (2002)
• Ajmal Ehssas (2003)
• Lebanese Night (2003): Duo with Irish artist Chris De Burgh
• Koli youm fi omry (2004)
• Erga' Lel Sho2 (2004)
• Hobak Wajaa (2005)
• Bastanak (2006)
• Law Te'rafoh (2007)
• Betmoon (2008)
• Awakher El Sheta (2009)
• Ala Bali Habibi (2010)

External links

• Elissa's Official Website
• Elissa's Biggest Fan Page on Facebook (+400,000 Fans)
• Elissa's Fan Page on Facebook