Elissa the new face of Vogue

After her cooperation with the company Luxottica by doing commercials for Ray Ban sunglasses, Lebanese singer Elissa has become the new face of Vogue sunglasses, which are part of the same company.

Elissa headed off to Milan Italy to film a special ad for Vogue with Italian photographer Carlo Miari Folcerz, who had previously filmed international stars like George Clooney and David Beckham.

The singer stated that Vogue is new international product and she is proud to be the new representative for them in the Middle East and North Africa.

Elissa has requested that production company ‘Rotana’ not air her latest music video for the song "Lao Ta'rafouh" (If You Knew Him), directed by Salim Turk, since it is not up to her standards.

Elissa announced that she will no longer work with directors Salim or Saeed Al Marouq after both men publicly criticized the singer and never apologized.

Elissa said that composer Jan Saliba is also on her ‘black list’ of people she does not wish to cooperate with after he announced that he will work with new comer Melissa, instead of Elissa.

Elissa is currently holding work sessions to prepare for her upcoming album produced by ‘Rotana,’ to be released in the summer of 2007.

‘Rotana’ held a special ceremony honoring Elissa’s award as the ‘number one Arab artist’ at the 2006 World Music Awards. ‘Rotana’ president Salem Al-Hindi attended the event, covered extensively by the Lebanese media. The celebration was for her great achievement, said Al-Hindi.

Elissa said that she was honored to receive the award for a second time and dedicated it to Lebanon and its people, who suffered greatly in recent months, while giving her acceptance speech at the event in London.

“Bastanak” received the highest sales throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, reaching as high as 350 thousand albums.

From Al Bawaba

Elissa's black list keeps getting longer

Elissa has requested that production company ‘Rotana’ not air her latest music video for the song "Lao Ta'rafouh" (If You Knew Him), directed by Salim Turk, since it is not up to her standards.

Elissa announced that she will no longer work with directors Salim or Saeed Al Marouq after both men publicly criticized the singer and never apologized.

Elissa said that composer Jan Saliba is also on her ‘black list’ of people she does not wish to cooperate with after he announced that he will work with new comer Melissa, instead of Elissa, according to the UAE based daily, Al Bayan.

Elissa is currently holding work sessions to prepare for her upcoming album produced by ‘Rotana,’ to be released in the summer of 2007.

‘Rotana’ held a special ceremony honoring Elissa’s award as the ‘number one Arab artist’ at the 2006 World Music Awards. ‘Rotana’ president Salem Al-Hindi attended the event, covered extensively by the Lebanese media. The celebration was for her great achievement, said Al-Hindi.

“As an artist, I sing for beauty, freedom and love,” said Elissa when presented with the award for her latest album “Bastanak” (I’m Waiting for You).

Elissa said that she was honored to receive the award for a second time and dedicated it to Lebanon and its people, who suffered greatly in recent months, while giving her acceptance speech at the event in London.

“Bastanak” received the highest sales throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, reaching as high as 350 thousand albums.

Her first award, last year, was for her album “Hubbak Waja” (Your Love is Painful).

Elissa is the only Lebanese artist to win the award and has reached international fame with her unique style.

From Al Bawaba

كثيرون على قائمة إليسا السوداء!

بعدما قامت بإبلاغ (روتانا) بعدم رغبتها في عرض كليب (لو تعرفوه) للمخرج سليم ترك لإنه وكما وصفته دون المستوى الفني، أعلنت النجمة اللبنانية إليسا أنها قررت عدم التعامل مع كل من المخرج سليم ترك، وكذلك المخرج سعيد الماروق الذي انتقدها في وسائل الإعلام ولم يعتذر لها، وأيضاً الملحن جان صليبا الذي قررت خلعه بعد أن صرح لوسائل الإعلام عدم رغبته في التعامل معها، معلناً تبنيه للمغنية ميليسا التي تحاول تقليد اليسا، حسب صحيفة البيان..

من جهة أخرى، بدأت إليسا عقد جلسات عمل لتحضير ألبومها الجديد مع شركة (روتانا) المقرر طرحه في موسم صيف عام 2007

وقال المؤلف والملحن محمد الرفاعي انه تنازل بالفعل عن ثلاث أغاني قام بتأليفهم إلى إليسا ، وتم الاتفاق عليهم أثناء تواجدها مؤخراً في مصر.

From Al Bawaba

النجمة اللبنانية اليسا وجه اعلاني جديد لنظارات شمسية

بعد تعاونها مع شركة Luxottica لصالح نظارات Ray Ban، أصبحت الفنانة اللبنانية إليسا الوجه الإعلاني لنظارات Vogue العالمية مع الشركة نفسها ..

إليسا سافرت إلى ميلانو- إيطاليا لتصوير الإعلان الفوتوغرافي الخاص بالنظارات الشمسيّة، مع المصوّر الإيطالي العالمي كارلو مياري فولسيز الذي سبق له أن صوّر نجوم عالميين منهم جورج كلوني وديفيد بيكهام وذلك خلال يوم كامل في أحد استوديوهات ميلانو.

وتقول إليسا: " Vogue منتوج عالمي جديد أفخر أن أكون الصورة الإعلانية له في الشرق الأوسط والدول العربية والمغرب العربي".

من ناحية أخرى، وقعت إليسا مع شركة فرنسية عالمية من أجل المنتج العالمي الذي يحمل اسمها والذي سبق لها أن أعلنت عنه سابقاً.

وفي سياق أخر، ستلتقي إليسا جمهورها في البحرين في فندق "الخليج" يوم الأربعاء الواقع فيه 3 كانون الثاني 2007.

From Panet.co.il

Elissa celebrated in Beirut

In the presence of Mr. Salem Al Hindi, President of the music production company Rotana, and in the presence of the Lebanese media, Rotana organized a special honoring ceremony for Lebanese singer Elissa.

According to the Qatar based daily, Al Raya, the celebration was for the great achievement the singer achieved when she was presented with an award at the World Music Awards 2006 for being the number one Arab artist.

“Our message as artist is to sing beauty, freedom and love” these were the words that Elissa expressed her honor at winning an award for the second time at the World Music Awards 2006 as the Best Arab artist for her latest album “Bastanak” (I’m Waiting for You).

Elissa’s album received the highest sales throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, marking her second time, the first being last year with the album “Hubbak Waja” (Your Love is Painful).

With this victory, Elissa is considered to be the only Lebanese to win the award. The singer is portrayed as having reached international fame with her unique style that in no way resembles that of other singers.

Elissa said while giving her acceptance speech at the event in London that she is very happy and honored at receiving the prize for a second time in a two-year time and presented the award to her country Lebanon and its people, who has suffered so much in the recent months.

She also dedicated the award to her late father and family, in addition to HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal, owner of Rotana, and everyone who has backed her throughout her career.

Elissa’s album “Bastanak” sales reached as high as 350 thousand albums, indicating a decrease in the number of album sales for the singer compared to last year by 100 thousands.

From Al Bawaba

Elissa victorious at the World Music Awards 2006

“Our message as artist is to sing beauty, freedom and love” these were the words that Lebanese singer Elissa expressed her honor at winning an award for the second time at the World Music Awards 2006 as the Best Arab artist for her latest album “Bastanak” (I’m Waiting for You).

According to the London based Elaph, Elissa’s album received the highest sales throughout the Middle East and North Africa region, marking her second time, the first being last year with the album “Hubbak Waja” (Your Love is Painful).

With this victory, Elissa is considered to be the only Lebanese to win the award. The singer is portrayed as having reached international fame with her unique style that in no way resembles that of other singers.

Elissa said while giving her acceptance speech at the event in London that she is very happy and honored at receiving the prize for a second time in a two-year time and presented the award to her country Lebanon and its people, who has suffered so much in the recent months.

She also dedicated the award to her late father and family, in addition to HRH Prince Al Waleed Bin Talal, owner of Rotana, and everyone who has backed her throughout her career.

Recently, a special invitation was presented by Elissa to every Arab woman, who is looking to rediscover her beauty. This invitation is part of a campaign for Lux elegant festival, which is currently taking place, in its fifth consecutive year.

The event will host some of the most important names of Arab fashion designers and will present fashion shows for their latest designs. VIPs from Lebanon and other countries throughout the Arab world are to be presents, in addition to a number of stars.

Elissa is Lux’s representative in the Arab world for a second year. She said that every woman remembers her childhood when she used to stand in front of a mirror and begins to fantasize on how beautiful she wishes to be, and strives throughout her life to become the beautiful woman she always dreamed of. She added that she calls on all women to be confident of the way she looks and flaunt her beauty by being as possible.

On a different note, Elissa has conquered the number one spot in the summer album competition in Egypt, which is considered the worst summer the music world has witnessed due to the different circumstances that hit the region like the disastrous Israeli raids on Lebanon.

The summer had begun with the launch of Elissa’s album “Bastanak” (I’m Waiting for you) and which sales reached as high as 350 thousand albums, indicating a decrease in the number of album sales for the singer compared to last year by 100 thousands.

From Al Bawaba

إليسا تفوز بجائزة (الميوزيك أوورد) للسنة الثانية

فازت النجمة اللبنانية إليسا بجائزة الموسيقى العالمية (الميوزيك أوورد) لعام 2006 عن الأغنية العربية عن ألبومها الأخير ("بستنّاك) في العاصمة البريطانية لندن للعام الثاني على التوالي.

هذا وأعربت إليسا عن سعادتها بفوزها للمرة الثانية بأرفع جوائز الموسيقى العالمية في دول الشرق الأوسط وشمال أفريقيا.

إليسا أهدت هذه الجائزة الى وطنها الحبيب لبنان وشعبه العظيم الذي عانى الكثير، كما قدمت هذه الجائزة لروح والدها وعائلتها والأمير الوليد بن طلال وأسرة (روتانا) ومدير أعمالها وجمهورها وكل من ساعدها في مسيرتها الفنية.

يذكر أن النجمة قد فازت بهذه الجائزة في العام الماضي عن ألبوم (حبك وجع).

From Al Bawaba

Elissa calls on women to flaunt their beauty

A special invitation was presented by Lebanese singer Elissa to every Arab woman, who is looking to rediscover her beauty. This invitation is part of a campaign for Lux elegant festival, which is currently taking place, in its fifth consecutive year.

According to the London based Elaph, the event will host some of the most important names of Arab fashion designers and will present fashion shows for their latest designs. VIPs from Lebanon and other countries throughout the Arab world are to be presents, in addition to a number of stars.

Elissa is Lux’s representative in the Arab world for a second year. She said that every woman remembers her childhood when she used to stand in front of a mirror and begins to fantasize on how beautiful she wishes to be, and strives throughout her life to become the beautiful woman she always dreamed of. She added that she calls on all women to be confident of the way she looks and flaunt her beauty by being as possible.

On a different note, Elissa has conquered the number one spot in the summer album competition in Egypt, which is considered the worst summer the music world has witnessed due to the different circumstances that hit the region like the disastrous Israeli raids on Lebanon.

The summer had begun with the launch of Elissa’s album “Bastanak” (I’m Waiting for you) and which sales reached as high as 350 thousand albums, indicating a decrease in the number of album sales for the singer compared to last year by 100 thousands.

Elissa has completed filming her latest music video for the song “Lao Ta’rafooh” (If You Knew Him), directed by Salim Turk.

Elissa’s business manager, Shaima Abrahim, revealed that Elissa completed filming the clip before the recent Israeli-Lebanese war, but waited to release it till an appropriate time.

She released the clip now that Lebanese morale has been lifted once again and life in her country is somewhat back to normal, said Elissa.

Elissa has refused an offer to star in a new Egyptian film written by composer Baha El Din Mohammad and starring Ahmad Al Sakka. The singer said her overbooked schedule leaves her no time for an acting career.

From Al Bawaba

Elissa number one in Egypt

Elissa has conquered the number one spot in the summer album competition in Egypt, which is considered the worst summer the music world has witnessed due to the different circumstances that hit the region like the disastrous Israeli raids on Lebanon.

The summer had begun with the launch of Elissa’s album “Bastanak” (I’m Waiting for you) and which sales reached as high as 350 thousand albums, indicating a decrease in the number of album sales for the singer compared to last year by 100 thousands.

Elissa has completed filming her latest music video for the song “Lao Ta’rafooh” (If You Knew Him), directed by Salim Turk.

Elissa’s business manager, Shaima Abrahim, revealed that Elissa completed filming the clip before the recent Israeli-Lebanese war, but waited to release it till an appropriate time.

She released the clip now that Lebanese morale has been lifted once again and life in her country is somewhat back to normal, said Elissa.

Elissa has refused an offer to star in a new Egyptian film written by composer Baha El Din Mohammad and starring Ahmad Al Sakka. The singer said her overbooked schedule leaves her no time for an acting career.

Elissa participated in the Paris Fashion Week upon a personal invitation from the Dior House of Fashion, before the war with Israel. Elissa wore an exquisite gown by Dior and gave a special interview to French channel TV 5.

A dinner was held in Elissa’s honor and was attended by VIPs from the Dior House of Fashion in the Middle East and Paris, in addition to a number of international celebrities like actors Liv Taylor and Drew Barrymore. According to the London based Elaph, the singer also took advantage of her stay in Paris by attending a fashion show for well-known Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

From Al Bawaba

إليسا تحتل المرتبة الاولى في مصر

تصدرت النجمة اللبنانية إليسا سباق أغاني موسم الصيف في مصر والذي يعتبره المراقبون الأسوأ على مدار سنوات نظرا لتزامنه مع العديد من الأحداث أهمها كأس العالم مع بداية الموسم ووقوع الحرب اللبنانية في ذروته.

الموسم كان انطلق باستقبال ألبوم إليسا (بستناك) والذي حقق مبيعات بلغت 350 ألف نسخة، مما يعني أن مبيعات اليسا انخفضت بنسبة كبيرة عن العام الماضي الذي حققت خلاله مبيعات بلغت 450 ألف نسخة.

وعلى صعيد آخر، أعلنت النجمة اللبنانية أنها انتهت من تصوير أغنية (لو تعرفوه) بطريقة الفيديو كليب مع المخرج سليم ترك، ومن المقرر عرضه قريبا.

وقالت شيماء إبراهيم مديرة أعمال المطربة اللبنانية (إليسا انتهت من تصوير كليب جديد لأغنية (لو تعرفوه) في لبنان قبل الحرب مع المخرج سليم ترك، ورفضت إذاعة الكليب حينها رغم انتهاء المخرج من عملية مونتاجه منذ فترة، تضامنا مع الشعب اللبناني وحتى تعود معنويات شعبها إلى طبيعتها، وقرار إذاعته مؤجل حتى الآن).

From Al Bawaba

Alissa overbooked after the war

Alissa has resumed performing now that the war has ended between Lebanon and Israel, already holding concerts in Paris and Jordan.

The singer is scheduled to appear as a guest, along with a number of prominent figures from the Arab world on the program that will launch the new satellite television channel “Alaan” (Now) in Dubai.

Alissa will then head to Libya to give a performance to celebrate a national holiday. She is also in the process of preparing to shoot new television commercials for Lux soap products and Coram watches.

Director Salim Turk nearly finished with the production of Alissa’s upcoming music video “Lao Ta’rafooh” (If You Knew Him), scheduled to air on ‘Rotana’s’ music channel.

Alissa participated in the Paris Fashion Week upon a personal invitation from the Dior House of Fashion, before the war with Israel. Alissa wore an exquisite gown by Dior and gave a special interview to French channel TV 5.

A dinner was held in Alissa’s honor and was attended by VIPs from the Dior House of Fashion in the Middle East and Paris, in addition to a number of international celebrities like actors Liv Taylor and Drew Barrymore. According to the London based Elaph, the singer also took advantage of her stay in Paris by attending a fashion show for well-known Lebanese designer Elie Saab.

On a different note, Alissa has denied circulating rumors that she was banned from performing in Egypt for not paying concert fees for a recent performance.

Rumors claim the Head of the Egyptian Musician Association, Hassan Abu Sou'od, threatened to ban Alissa, along with Egyptian singers Dolly Shahin and Jad Shweiri from performing in Egypt.

The threat came after the three singers allegedly held a private wedding concert and did not pay fees owed to the association, about 10 thousand Egyptian pounds each.

Hassan said that the three singers will not be permitted to perform in Egypt until they pay the required fees. Alissa received 35,000 US dollars, Jad 30,000, and Dolly 25,000 for the performance.

Alissa said that she is not obligated to pay any fees for her performances in Egypt, arguing it is the concert sponsor’s responsibility.

From Al Bawaba

Hobak Waja3 - Alissa (VideoClip)

Alissa not banned in Egypt

Alissa has denied circulating rumors that she was banned from performing in Egypt for not paying concert fees for a recent performance.

Rumors claim the Head of the Egyptian Musician Association, Hassan Abu Sou'od, threatened to ban Alissa, along with Egyptian singers Dolly Shahin and Jad Shweiri from performing in Egypt.

The threat came after the three singers allegedly held a private wedding concert and did not pay fees owed to the association, about 10 thousand Egyptian pounds each.

Hassan said that the three singers will not be permitted to perform in Egypt until they pay the required fees. Alissa received 35,000 US dollars, Jad 30,000, and Dolly 25,000 for the performance.

Alissa said that she is not obligated to pay any fees for her performances in Egypt, explaining it is the concert sponsor’s responsibility.

On a similar note, Alissa denied circulating rumors that she is romantically involved with a prominent businessman, who gave her an expensive diamond watch as a gift.

Alissa said that she had bought the diamond watch for herself from a department store in Switzerland, and has become accustomed to hearing such rumors about romantic relationships with rich Arab businessman. The singer noted that she does not bother herself with commenting on such rumors in order not to give them more importance than they deserve.

From Al Bawaba

Alissa goes down in history

Well-known director Ahmad Atef is currently holding negotiations with Lebanese singer Alissa in the hope of having her agree to take part in a new historical gigantic film under the title “Al Andalus” (Andalusia).

Atef stated that he feels Alissa will be the big surprise of the film and he believes she has the potentials to make it as a successful actress.

Negotiations are also under way with internationally known Egyptian actor Omar El Sharif and Algerian singer Cheb Khaled to join the cast of the film. In addition young Egyptian actors Ahmad Al Sakka, Ahmad Hilmi and Muna Zaki have been nominated to take part in the film.

The director revealed that he has been making preparations for this film for the past four years and has visited a number of historical sites to find the best filming locations, and is almost complete with writing the script.

Atef has also made a special trip to the United States of America to study different sound effects which he plans on using in the film. Filming of the scenes is scheduled to begin in April 2007.

On a different note, after canceling all performances this summer season due to the ongoing Israeli attacks, Alissa has announced that proceeds from the first concert she will hold once the war is over will be donated to Lebanon.

She will have the money transferred to a charity organization providing aid to Lebanese people affected by the war, said Alissa. According to the London based Elaph, Alissa has already made two large donations to the organization.

Alissa plans to return to Lebanon via Syria as soon as possible, after residing in Cairo for several months.

The singer has also opened a special bank account to channel donations to help the Lebanese people in their time of need. She wanted to make her efforts public, to give more people the opportunity to help, said Alissa.

From Al Bawaba

Bastanak - Elissa (VideoClip)

Agmal Ehsas - Elissa (VideoClip)

Kol Youm Fe 3omry - Elissa (VideoClip)

Alissa moves on to acting

Alissa has given her final approval for the leading role in a new Egyptian film, alongside actor Ahmad Al Sakka.

The film was written by Baha’ El Din and produced by ‘Rotana,’ although the search for a director continues.

Alissa recently gave a spectacular performance at the Casablanca Music Festival in Morocco. The concert was part of the grand finale of the Festival, and was described by the audience as the concert of the century.

Alissa was shocked when an audience of over 120,000 gathered to see her in action, and was moved when she discovered they had her songs memorized by heart and were singing along with her throughout her performance.

Alissa stated that she was “honored to sing for Morocco for the first time,” and that she was grateful to all the people who came to watch her, making her performance a night to remember.

From Al Bawaba

Alissa donates to Lebanon

After canceling all performances this summer season due to the ongoing Israeli attacks, Lebanese singer Alissa has announced that proceeds from the first concert she will hold once the war is over will be donated to Lebanon.

She will have the money transferred to a charity organization providing aid to Lebanese people affected by the war, said Alissa. According to the London based Elaph, Alissa has already made two large donations to the organization.

Alissa plans to return to Lebanon via Syria as soon as possible, after residing in Cairo for several months.

The singer has also opened a special bank account to channel donations to help the Lebanese people in their time of need. She wanted to make her efforts public, to give more people the opportunity to help, said Alissa.

Previously, Alissa denied circulating rumors that she is romantically involved with a prominent businessman, and that she was given an expensive diamond watch as a gift from him.

Alissa said that she had bought the diamond watch for herself from a department store in Switzerland, and has become accustomed to hearing such rumors about romantic relationships with rich Arab businessman. The singer noted that she does not bother herself with commenting on such rumors in order not to give them more importance than they deserve.

Alissa recently gave two concerts in Casablanca, both in hotel ballrooms before a crowd of 1000, a dramatic shift from her performance last year that drew over 100,000 fans. Tickets prices started at US$50 US dollars, and it was reported that Alissa arrived an hour late to the concert.

The singer declined interviews with the Moroccan media, giving her performances little coverage and fueling negative rumors, although female fans remained loyal to the star attending in greater numbers.

From Al Bawaba

Ayshalak - Alissa (VideoClip)

Erga3 Lel Sho2 - Alissa (VideoClip)

Baddi Doub - Elissa (VideoClip)

Betgheeb Betrooh - Elissa & Ragheb Alama (VideoClip)

Mn Alby Ghanayt - Elissa (VideoClip)

Law Te3rafoh - Alissa (Concert)

Alissa & Christina Aguilera - Pepsi Commercial

Elissa & Christina Aguilera - Pepsi Football Commercial

Star Academy and Alissa Pepsi Commercial

Elissa (Star Academy 3 Prime)

Elissa At Mission Fashion - Bastanak

Bastanak - Alissa (Concert)

Arrably - Pepsi Commercial - Elissa

Shaghelny - Elissa (Concert)

Sho El Hal - Alissa (Concert)

Elissa & Chris DeBurgh (VideoClip)

Kol Youm Fe Omry - Elissa - World Music Awards 2005

Elissa - Yallabina TV (Interview)

Arrably - Alissa (Concert)

Haram - Elissa (Concert)

Zanby Ana - Elissa (Concert)

Hala Sarhan and Elissa on Dream TV