Lebanese star and X Factor judge Elissa is fresh from the Mawazine Festival in Morocco, and caught up with The National.
As the first season of the MBC show gears up for the finale, Elissa is considering returning for another season. She appears to share genuine chemistry with her fellow judges, Ragheb Alama and Donia Samir Ghanem.
She was a judge on a previous version of the show, but said that the revamped show feels really fresh. She is more experienced and knowledgeable with spotting talent, and the quality of the show is high because of the performers, rather than the judges, she told The National.
When asked about her new single, Ya Merayti, which is about domestic violence in Lebanon, she said "that clip came out a year after the album was out and, to be honest, the idea came from the video’s director and she was initially scared to talk to me about it."
"But at the end of the day, I am a Lebanese citizen and the news that I see regarding the abuse of women in our society really affected me. I feel like I have a responsibility to contribute to this debate in whatever way I can and I am glad I did. The video turned out great and I really feel I gave my best performance. I am glad it resonated with so many people."
As contestants battle it out for the X Factor crown this weekend, Elissa naturally plays favorites! "I would like Hind Ziadi to win, of course, not only because she is on my team but also because she has this great energy and range to her voice...[but] just to show you that I am not totally biased, I think it would be Hamza Hawsawi from Saudi Arabia because he is also very talented."
