Showbiz Arabia: Arab Idol's Carmen Sulaiman hits the books

Carmen Sulaiman, Arab Idol winner, is hitting the books before she heads to the studio rachel mcarthur brings you the latest gossip from the arab world arabia online. She may have just won the first season of Arab Idol, but there's no time for a mini break or vacation for Carmen Sulaiman — there are exams to be completed. Following months of hard work during MBC's hit show — which saw her once fall into the bottom two at the beginning of the season — Carmen went on to battle it out with Moroccan participant Donia Batmah in the finale. Achieving the majority of the public's votes, Carmen is now the proud holder of the title, winning a contract with Platinum Records, who will manage all her musical projects, as well as a contract with Pepsi to appear in a number of commercials for the soft drink, plus a 2012 Corvette. But before she can get to work on her album, Carmen has to graduate. The Egyptian singer, who is currently in her final year of high school, is back in Cairo preparing for her final exams. We spoke to the young star about her Idol experience, as well as her future plans. Congratulations on winning Arab Idol. You looked extremely nervous during the live finale. How were you feeling at the time? Thank you! I was excited and nervous — I had hoped that I would win, but I also was thinking that there was a very big chance I wouldn't win. Donia has a very beautiful voice, and deserved the title as well. So it could have gone either way. You had a bit of a rough start at the beginning of the season when you found yourself in the bottom two on one of the results night. What was going through your mind? I was so disappointed with that result, but in a way it just made me work harder. I never doubted the support from the public and from my country, but that's just how it happened. Then when I found myself in the final three with Yousuf and Donia, I was starting to become confident that I could make it to the final. Arab Idol was taking place during a time where there is instability in Egypt. How were you feeling during the shows? Did you think it would affect viewership or support from your country? During the show, a tragedy happened in Egypt [scores of football fans were killed during a match in Port Said], and I remember I was singing while my heart was in pain for my country. I was very saddened. However, in a way, Arab Idol has proven popular with my country because everyone needs some entertainment and some happiness right now. It has become a very popular show. What do you make of the rivalry that the media has created around you and Donia? We do not worry about it, as we both have great respect for each other and we worked together for several months on this show. Donia doesn't need a title, she is going to do very well as she is an amazing artist. I am personally a huge fan of her voice. What's next for you? Are you going to start work on your album? Nothing has been set in stone yet; I have to finish high school first. Education is a priority for me and I will go to college. I can find the balance between pursuing my career in singing while continuing my education. In fact, I am planning on studying music at university — it is what I am good at. It's an honour for Platinum Records to produce my album and obviously I can't wait to start. For the time-being, I am going to lock myself at home until I'm done with my exams, only then I will have time to start singing and recording. Warda's not giving up Warda has hit back at music critics calling for her resignation, stating she will continue to perform until her "last breath". In a recent interview with MBC.net, the Algerian singer stressed she will not stop singing as long as she is able to do so, even if she ends up doing it for free as a hobby. "The criticism I have received in recent times does not affect me," Warda said. "Singing is my life and my fans are the air that I breathe; without them, life would be meaningless. "My fans around the Arab world still listen to my music and appreciate it, so why should I quit because of a few critics? I will keep on performing until my last breath." Ahmad's novel approach Ahmad Helmy can add the title "author" to his resume. The Egyptian actor — who has starred in many of the Arab world's biggest blockbuster hits in recent times, including X-Large and Asal Eswed — has just released his first book. Tiled 28 Letters, the publication comprises 160 articles that the actor wrote on a weekly basis for Al Dastour newspaper over a period of several months. It includes his first article about the political tensions that arose following an Egypt vs Algeria football game a couple of years ago. "Many of my friends encouraged me to take this step and publish the book," Helmy said. "It is something I have always wanted to do — I want to create articles that are interesting for people to read." The actor added that proceeds from sales of the book will be donated towards children's charities. From: Gulfnews