Alissa: Haifa Wahbi's appearance on CNN has no real significance

Published March 20th, 2004 - 03:00 GMT

Lebanese singer Alissa has revealed that she does not think that Lebanese singer Haifa Wahbi has reached international stardom after the international network CNN held a documentary about her. Alissa stressed that CNN had previously held a documentary about Egyptian folk singer Shabaan Abdul Rahim because he was considered an unusual phenomenon and the same applies to Haifa.

According to the London based daily, Al Quds Al Arabi, Alissa added that not everyone who appears on CNN is automatically an international star, noting that she congratulates Haifa for being able to appear on CNN, but it is not a big deal.

Alissa added that she has sung for very important political and international figures like former US President Bill Clinton, Jordanian Queen Rania Al Abdullah, and many others. She added that the events in which she sang in were partially aired on CNN, but she does not feel that she has hit international stardom.

Wahbi, who is currently on a visit to the United States of America to be part of the casting for the new film "Ali Baba" by Lebanese born film producer Elie Samaha, Chairman/CEO of Franchise Pictures, received the news of the death of Alissa's father and decided to show support towards the Alissa, despite the fact that the two are not on speaking terms.

Haifa sent her condolences to Alissa through an SMS (a message on her mobile) not finding it significant to actually pick up the phone and make an international phone call to Lebanon to show her support. It was revealed that Alissa sent her thanks to Haifa in the same matter and made no further comments. To many, Haifa's action is considered to be a form of disrespect, especially since this is an occasion where all differences should be placed aside.

After over two years of pain and undergoing treatment for cancer, Alissa’s father passed away on February 25, 2004. Alissa is currently experiencing a period of utter sadness over the loss of her father, whom is one of the closest people to her heart. Alissa has headed to the old town of Deir Al Ahmar to be by the side of her family and present for the funeral. The singer has put a halt to all her entertainment activities during her period of mourning.

Before the unfortunate circumstances the singer is going through at the time, Alissa had revealed that she will be travelling to Dubai by the end of this month to hold a press conference for the launch of her latest promotional commercial for Rayban sunglasses. The singer added that during the beginning of April, she was planning to head off to the United States of America where she will hold a tour around five different states.

The singer was also in the process of making the final countdown for the release of the album “Ahla Dunia” (The Best World). The singer was able to achieve significant success in the Arab and abroad in such a short time. The new album will feature 13 songs, which Alissa chose very carefully to ensure listeners satisfaction. –Albawaba.com