Most of you hardcore Eurovision fans will remember Aline Lahoud. She was meant to represent Lebanon in the 2005 Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev, but Lebanon were forced to withdraw because they would not guarantee broadcasting the Israeli performance. It later became a fan favourite, and many still await the day Lebanon will return—and hopefully with Aline.
Well, last night on French TV Ms. Lahoud auditioned for The Voice of France. She sang “Khedni Mahni”, an Arabic song, and three judges turned around within 20 seconds! The fourth judge turned around shortly after. She was shocked. One of the jurors—the famous singer Mika—is also Lebanese (although more British) and he already knows her really well. In the end she decided to join up with juror Florent Pagny.
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Will Aline win this competition for her native Lebanon? And will that spur Lebanon to return to the contest? We surely hope so. Best of luck to her!
William Cahill contributed this report from Ireland, and is one of our Irish correspondents. Follow the team from wiwibloggs.com on Twitter @wiwibloggs and keep up with the latest Eurovision news by liking our Facebook page.
I highly doubt that Lebanon or any of the other Arab countries will participate, they are classier than that. Morocco’s Samira Said (listen to her new song! http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=z_jbTaYtc7o) has already put Eurovision completely behind her, unlike so many other stars. And don’t forget the thing they have with Israel.
I would LOVE to see Lebanon conquer the competition. She is Authentic and beautiful. She also possesses what it takes. Her existence on the stage is magical. And for the person that was referring to politics and crap. MR. LIO. Grow up and let others enjoy the music and THE VOICE. Otherwise just get a life. What do u know about Lebanon you ignorant. Europeans used to go to Beirut for vacations. Sure those are hard times now there. Shall I remind u who made the first and second world war? GERMANY. Look at then now. Just keep silent my… Read more »
Let’s not forget that her mother was the original singer of this song ^^
Why would anyone want that country at the ESC? First they should not involve politics into the ESC, then they have to proof that they are a loving and peaceful country, then the EBU should re-consider again. Look at Morocco. They joined at 1980 just because Israel didn’t participate at that year, and made an immediate withdrawal at 1981 after Israel re-entered the ESC. Shame on them! Bring us peace-loving countries, not the haters ones.
I would love to see Lebanon in the competition. I bet they would submit some interesting entries.