Elissar Zakaria Khoury (Arabic: إليسار زكريا خوري; born 27 October 1972), commonly known as Elissa (Arabic: إليسا), is a Lebanese singer, actress, television personality and businesswoman.[1] Known for her romantic musical style and emotive vocal performances, she has been dubbed as the "Queen of Emotions" by fans and journalists alike.[2] Her musical career began in 1992 when she was featured in the Lebanese talent show Studio El Fan; later being awarded the silver medal. In 1998, she released her debut studio album Baddy Doub through EMI Music Arabia. While the album was a success, the titular song’s music video initially received criticism for its racy content.[3] Her second album W'akherta Maak (2000) featured the single "Betghib Betrouh", a duet with Ragheb Alama which achieved commercial success and won accolades.[4]
Elissa | |
|---|---|
| إليسا | |
.jpg) Elissa in August 2012 | |
| Born | Elissar Zakaria Khoury إليسار زكريا خوري 27 October 1972 |
| Occupations |
|
| Years active | 1989–present |
| Musical career | |
| Genres | |
| Instrument(s) | Vocals |
| Labels | |
Elissa’s breakthrough occurred with her 2002 hit single “Ayshalak”, from the third studio album of the same name, which was a substantial commercial success.[5] After signing with Saudi Arabian-based record label Rotana, she released the albums Ahla Dounya (2004), Bastanak (2006), Ayami Bik (2007), Tesada'a Bemeen (2009), Asaad Wahda (2012), Halet Hob (2014), Saharna Ya Leil (2016), Ila Kol Lli Bihibbouni (2018) and Sahbit Raey (2020); eventually becoming Rotana's best-selling artist.[6]
Elissa is one of the best-selling music artists of the Middle East; selling over 30 million albums throughout her career.[7][8][1] She has additionally garnered over 500 million streams on Anghami and over 4.5 billion views on YouTube.[9][10] In 2005, Elissa became the first Arab artist of Lebanese descent to win the World Music Award for “Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist” in recognition of the sales for "Ahla Dounya", additionally doing so in 2006 and 2010 for "Bastanak" and "Tesada'a Bemeen", respectively.[11] Throughout her career, she has also endorsed numerous brands such as Corum and Pepsi and is also an outspoken women's rights activist and has raised awareness on specific subjects such as women's rights in Lebanon and breast cancer awarerness through her music and social media platforms.[12][13][14][15]
Early life edit
Elissar Zakaria Khoury was born on October 27, 1972[16][17] in Deir Al-Ahmar, Lebanon to a Lebanese father, Zakaria Khoury, who was a poet and a Syrian mother, Youmna Suud from Wadi al-Nasara.[18][19][20][11] She has three brothers named Ghassan, Camil, Jihad and two sisters, Norma and Rita. Elissa and her siblings were later raised in the Beqaa Valley.[20] On the day of her birth, she was delivered by a midwife due to the lack of hospitals at her birthplace; her grandmother had left her as she was not a boy. Throughout her childhood, she had a very close relationship with her father, as well as her sister Norma; being very heartbroken when she had gotten married and moved away while Elissa was 14 years old. Elissa revealed that she had a difficult childhood due to witnessing frequent disputes between her parents; additionally noting that while her father was a calm person, her mother was stricter and harsh.[21] At the request of her father, she and her sister Norma attended a French boarding school, where one of the nuns known as "Sister Samira" had discovered her musical talent.[22]
Elissa graduated from the Lebanese University with a degree in political science.[11] Although she had a degree in politics, she was additionally interested in making music.[11] Therefore, after graduating, she decided to pursue a professional career in show business and in music.[11]
Career edit
1989–1992: Career beginnings, Studio El Fan and Baddy Doub edit
In 1989, Elissa began her career when she appeared in theatrical comedy plays written by Lebanese actor Wassim Tabbara (1943-2005), acting and singing professionally under her birth name "Elissar Khoury" from the age of 16. She later moved to the "Théâtre de 10 Heures" in 1991.[18][23]
Elissa's musical career began the following year, when she enlisted in the Lebanese talent show Studio El Fan, singing songs such as "In Rah Mennek Ya Ain" by Shadia and later winning the silver medal.[23] After doing so, her contract on the series was terminated, as showrunner Simon Asmar was unconvinced of her talent. Following this, she also attempted to begin a career in television, applying with stations such as LBC.[24]
1998–2001: Debut studio album Baddy Doub and W'akherta Maak edit
Elissa's debut studio album Baddy Doub, was released in Lebanon in December 1998 by Lido Productions, later given wider distribution in the Arab world by EMI Music Arabia in early 1999.[8] On the album's titular single, she collaborated with Spanish singer, Gerard Ferrer.[8][25] For the single's music video, Elissa is depicted wearing merely a white bed sheet. This had caused widespread controversy as she was ridiculed and called the "singer of the bed sheet" by media tabloids at the time.
Her second album, W'akherta Maak was released on 8 August 2000. The album included the duet "Betghib Betrouh" featuring Ragheb Alama. She was the only Arabic artist to perform in front of former United States President Bill Clinton at the Stars Charity show in Dubai. In that year, she won the Murex d'Or award for Best Female Artist. Additionally, she attended the 2000 International Music Festival of Cannes.[11]
2002–05: Breakthrough, Ayshalak and Ahla Dounya edit
Elissa's third studio album, Ayshalak, was released in 2002.[8] For the album's titular hit single, she filmed a music video in Paris, dressed by Christian Dior.[8][26] This was the first time the fashion house had worked with an Arab artist.[8] The music video for "Ajmal Ihssas" won an Arabic Music Award for Best Video Clip in Dubai. On the same year, Elissa inaugurated Kuwait's Virgin Megastore with Sir Richard Branson. She appeared on a collaboration with Irish singer Chris de Burgh in the duet "Lebanese Nights", featured on his 2002 album Timing is Everything.
In September 2003, Elissa signed a four-year promotional deal with Pepsi, becoming the Middle East's brand ambassador.[8] In January 2004, she appeared at a Pepsi press conference in London, England, alongside American recording artists Beyoncé, Britney Spears and Pink.[27] Subsequently, she shot two Pepsi advertisements with Christina Aguilera for the World Football Cup; both of which were shot in Los Angeles.
In 2003, Elissa signed with Saudi Arabian entertainment group Rotana, under which she released her fourth studio album, Ahla Dounya the following year. The album spawned the singles "Koul Youm Fee Oumri", "Irjaa Lilshowk" and "Hobak Wajaa (Inta Lameen)". The tracks "Koul Youm Fee Oumri", "Karibli" and "Law Nirjaa Sawa" were featured in Pepsi advertisements. By the end of 2004, Ahla Dounya had sold about 3.4 million copies.[28] In 2005, Elissa became the first Lebanese artist to ever receive a World Music Award for Best Selling Artist from the Middle East.[8] The ceremony took place in Hollywood's Kodak Theatre. She received the Murex d'Or for Best Lebanese Artist and Best Video Clip for "Hobak Wajaa".
On 16 February 2006, she released her fifth studio album Bastanak. The album had the hit single of the same name and "Law Taarafou", both received accompanying music videos. On 15 November, Elissa received her second World Music Award in a row for the sales of this album. As of 2006, Bastanak had sold 3.7 million copies.[28]
2007–10: Ayami Bik and Tesada'a Bemeen edit
Elissa's sixth studio album Ayami Bik was released on 18 December 2007. Including one of Elissa's bigger hits "Betmoun" as well as "Awakher Al Shita" , "Ayami Bik" and "Khod Balak Alaya". Tesada'a Bemeen , her seventh studio album, was released on 26 December 2009 to massive commercial success and included one of her signature songs "Aa Bali Habibi" and the titular song of the same name, both of which received music videos. Elissa garnered her third World Music Award for the album. In November 2010, she was awarded the prize for "Best Arab Female Artist" in the Jordan Music Awards and the Big Apple Music Award for "Best Female Artist" in the Middle East a few days later. Tesada'a Bemeen received critical acclaim for its differing and darker themes and stronger vocal delivery throughout the album.
2012–15: Asaad Wahda, Halet Hob, and MBC The X Factor edit
Her eighth studio album, Asaad Wahda, was released on 19 June 2012. The album spawned music videos for the titular song and "Teebt Mennak". The latter's video was released the following year. During the summer of 2012, Elissa released the title song for the Maa Sabk Al Esrar series.[29] In December 2012, Elissa was chosen to be one of the judges of The X Factor Arabia; It was on the air the first four months of 2013. On 23 June 2013 Elissa received two Murex D’or awards, for the Best Lebanese Singer and Best Arabic Song for "Asaad Wahda". During the summer of 2014, Elissa released a song titled "Law" (What If), composed by Marwan Khoury.[30]
Elissa released her ninth studio album Halet Hob in July 2014. The album included covers of the songs "Awel Mara" and "Helwa Ya Baladi" . She released the first music video of "Hob Kol Hayaty" on 12 December 2014.[31] Elissa returned as a judge on The X Factor for its second season on 14 March 2015. Elissa released her cover version of "Mawtini" on 29 April 2015, along with its music video. The second video from her ninth studio album was released on 14 May 2015, for "Ya Merayti". The titular song was released as the final single in early 2016. The lyric video of "Halet Hob" has amassed more than 100 million views on YouTube.[32]
2016–17: Saharna Ya Leil edit
Elissa released her tenth studio album Saharna Ya Leil on 9 September 2016, which included the titular single of the same name, "Maliket El Ehsas" and "Aaks Elli Shayfenha." Despite not being released as a single, the lyric video for "Maktooba Leek" amassed over 270 million views (as of March 2024) on Rotana's official YouTube page, becoming the most watched video on their channel.[33] The following year, Elissa released a music video for "Aaks Elli Shayfenha".[34][35] Directed by Angy Jammal,[36] the video reached 3 million views during its first week of release[37] and as of August 2019, has garnered over 60 million views on YouTube. In May 2017, Elissa announced that she is the new face of Freshlook Air Optix Colors.[8]
In August 2017, Elissa was featured on Forbes Middle East English edition's August cover[38] and gave a concert as part of Beirut Holidays Festival 2017.[39] On 14 August, Elissa released a remix for the song "Ana Majnouni"[40] which was previously released 3 years ago.[41] "Ana Majnouni" marked the third collaboration with her brother Camil Khoury and amassed more than half a million plays during its first 2 days of release.[42] In early September, it was announced that Elissa will be one of the new The Voice: Ahla Sawt season 4 coaches alongside Emirati singer Ahlam, Lebanese singer Assi El Hallani, and Egyptian singer Mohamed Hamaki.[43][44]
2018–present: Ila Kol Lli Bihibbouni and Sahbit Raey edit
On 11 July 2018, Elissa released the first lead single titled "Ila Kol Lli Bihibbouni" from her eleventh studio album of the same name.[45][46] On 16 July 2018, Elissa dropped a promotional single from the album entitled "Krahni", produced by her brother Camil Khoury.[47][48][49] Khoury additionally produced the songs "Maridit Ehtimam" and "Enta W Maii" on the album. Ila Kol Lli Bihibbouni was released on 25 July 2018.[50][51] The album also includes a cover of Warda's song "Wahashtouni".[52]
On 7 August 2018, Elissa released the music video for "Ila Kol Lli Bihibbouni"[53] where in the music video, Elissa disclosed her breast cancer diagnosis in late December 2017 along with her treatment and recovery.[54][55][7] The music video went viral and amassed more than 9 million views during its first week of release.[7]
On 10 August 2018, Elissa gave a concert as part of Beirut Holidays Festival 2018; among the attendees was Armenian entertainer Lubluba.[56] She also gave a concert in Tunisia.[57] In September 2018, the Lebanese Information Minister honored Elissa for her career.[18] In October 2018, Elissa hinted at possible problems with label Rotana due to their exclusive deal with the Paris-based music streaming service Deezer, prompting the immediate removal of her entire discography from online digital services such as Anghami, Spotify and iTunes along with various Rotana-signed artists.[58][59] On 22 April 2019 she released the music video for her song "Krahni".[60]
In November 2018, Elissa announced on Twitter that she had begun work on her upcoming twelfth studio album.[61] On 18 January 2019, Elissa performed a benefit concert in Egypt.[62][63] In July, she announced a partnership with makeup artist Bassam Fattouh, releasing an eyeshadow palette titled 'The Star'.[64] On 22 July, a promotional song for Telecom Egypt's 'WE' mobile service titled "Abl Ay Had" was released and as of August 2019, gained over 15 million views on YouTube.[65]
Elissa @elissakh I am preparing this new album with a lot of love and passion. The reason is that it will be the last one in my career. I am announcing this with a heavy heart but with a lot of conviction because I can't work in a field that is similar to mafias. I can't be productive anymore
19 August 2019[66]
On 18 August 2019, she announced her retirement from the music industry via Twitter, stating her then-upcoming twelfth studio album would be her last and describing the music industry field as "similar to the mafias."[67] The news of her retirement shocked fans and fellow artists as the hashtag #كلنااليسا (English: "We are all Elissa") began to trend on Twitter, being offered support for the singer by fans and artists alike.[68] On 18 July 2020, she also announced her twelfth album Sahbit Raey and released the lead single of the same name on 23 July. The album was followed by two singles titled "Hanghani Kaman Wi Kaman" and "Ahwet El Madi", which were released on 11 April and 25 May respectively and were later included in the track listing. An initial cover for the album/single with suggestive themes had caused controversy among audiences and had prompted Elissa's management to have it replaced with a different cover.[69] The album was released exclusively on Deezer and Rotana's official YouTube channel during the Eid al-Adha season on 1 August.[70] The album's final song features a French-language cover of "Mourir sur scène" by Egyptian-born Italian-French artist Dalida.[71]
2022-present: First independent album edit
In 2022, following establishing her own recording company under the name of E-Records, Elissa started working on her new 13th album, and the first totally produced by her.
Personal life and political views edit
In 2014, Elissa took to social media to condemn the atrocities committed by ISIS against minorities, stating "I'm Lebanese and I'm proudly Christian, shame on such people."[72] Elissa is an outspoken advocate of women's rights in the Middle East.[8]
An advocate for breast cancer awareness,[73][74][55] Elissa revealed her previously private diagnosis and defeat of an early stage of the disease with the release of her music video for "Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni"; previously keeping it a secret from both the press and general public from her diagnosis in late 2017.[53][54][55][75] The video ends with the following message: "I've recovered, I've beaten the illness and I won... Early detection of breast cancer can save your life... Don't ignore it, face it... Do it not only for yourself, but for your loved ones." Many applauded her for "breaking the taboo" of breast cancer awareness in the Middle East and therefore influenced and encouraged women to be checked for the disease.[7] The hashtags #Elissa (اليسا#) and #To_All_Who_Love_Me (الى_كل_اللي_بيحبوني#) began to trend in Lebanon and surrounding countries in the Middle East.[7][76][77][78] In October 2018, Elissa was chosen as an ambassador for a breast cancer awareness campaign in Beirut.[79]
She is a supporter of the Lebanese Forces party and its leader, Samir Geagea, backing him for the presidency before the election of Michel Aoun.[80]
In October 2023, she expressed her solidarity with Palestinian civilians in the Gaza Strip by posting a tweet featuring a Palestinian flag with a quote that says "if you cannot lift the injustice, at least tell everyone about it."[81]
Discography edit
Studio albums edit
- Baddy Doub (1998)
- W'akherta Maak (2000)
- Ayshalak (2002)
- Ahla Dounya (2004)
- Bastanak (2006)
- Ayami Bik (2007)
- Tesada'a Bemeen (2009)
- Asaad Wahda (2012)
- Halet Hob (2014)
- Saharna Ya Leil (2016)
- Ila Kol Lli Bihibbouni (2018)
- Sahbit Raey (2020)
Compilations edit
- Best of Elissa (2011)
EPs edit
- Aghani Min Hayati (Live) (2021)
Singles and charted songs edit
| Title | Year | Peak chart position | Album | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| LBN [82] |
MENA [83] | |||
| "Garrabt Fe Marra" | 2012 | — | * | Non-album single |
| "Asaad Wahda" | 1 | Asaad Wahda | ||
| "Law" | 2014 | 1 | Non-album single | |
| "Ya Merayti" | 12 | Halet Hob | ||
| "Mawtini" | 2015 | 4 | Non-album single | |
| "Ya Rait" | 2016 | 6 | Saharna Ya Leil | |
| "Saharna Ya Leil" | 1 | |||
| "Anti L Tohro Ya Mariam" | 2017 | — | Non-album singles | |
| "Zakaria" | — | |||
| "Isht Wa Shoft" | 2018 | — | ||
| "Krahni" | 19 | Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni | ||
| "Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni" | 12 | |||
| "Bokra Bteshroq Shams El Eid" | — | Non-album singles | ||
| "Abl Ay Had" | 2019 | — | ||
| "Aam Thour" | — | |||
| "Ya Am Salamtak" | 2021 | 19 | ||
| "Damayer" | 2022 | — | ||
| "Min Awel Dekika" (with Saad Lamjarred) |
7 | 16 | ||
| "Zahra Men El Yasmin" | — | — | ||
| "Ana W Bass" | 16 | — | ||
| "Ma Tendam 3a Shi" | 2023 | 12 | — | |
| "Batmayel Aala El Beat" | 1 | — | ||
| "El Okd" | — | — | ||
| "Kello Waham" | 2024 | — | — | |
| "—" denotes items which were not released in that country or failed to chart. "*" denotes the chart did not exist at that time. | ||||
Collaborations edit
- Betghib Betrouh (with Ragheb Alama) [2000]
- Lebanese Night (feat. Chris de Burgh) [2002]
- Kount Fi Sirtak (feat. Cheb Mami) [2006]
- Jouwa El Roh (feat. Fadel Chaker) [2009]
- Wara El-Shababik (feat. Tamer Hosny) [2017]
- Efrah (feat. Tamer Hosny) [2022]
- Min Awel Dekika (feat. Saad Lamjarred) [2022]
Videography edit
Filmography edit
- It's OK (2024)
Audio works edit
- Elissa - The Podcast on Anghami (2021)
References edit
- ^ a b Nadia Al-Dhahir (22 August 2017). "إليسا.. السر وراء لقب "ملكة الإحساس" - Forbes Middle East". Archived from the original on 1 September 2017. Retrieved 23 August 2017.
- ^ Ogaily, Mayya (19 January 2024). "12 Albums, 12 Stories: Elissa Revisits the Milestones of Her Journey as the Arab World's 'Queen of Emotions'". Billboard. Retrieved 15 March 2024.
- ^ Vivian Haddad (14 September 2002). "اليسا: اليوم صرت أكثر نضجا وأعرف ماذا أريد وكيف أقيّم عملي". Aawsat (in Arabic). Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "الساهر وسميرة سعيد يفوزان بجائزة أفضل فيديو كليب". Al Jazzera (in Arabic). 13 April 2001. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ Elissa Khoury, la chanteuse du Moyen-Orient en visite chez Corum : une journée sous le charme oriental. Montres de Luxe, 30 August 2011. Archived 28 September 2020 at the Wayback Machine
- ^ "في عيد ميلادها.. أهم المراحل في حياة إليسا وأمور قد لا تعرفونها عنها". Farfesh. 27 October 2019. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e "Women Are Saying They're Getting Checked After A Famous Lebanese Singer Said She'd Had Breast Cancer". BuzzFeed News. 13 August 2018.
- ^ a b c d e f g h i j Al-Dhahir, Nadia (20 August 2017). "The Secret To The Success Of Elissa Lies In More Than A Love Song".
- ^ "Lebanese singer Elissa to retire, says the industry is like a 'mafia'". Saudigazette. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Elissa breaks Youtube record". MSN. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ a b c d e f Khazaal, Chaker (13 March 2015). "Elissa: A Light in the Dark Times of the Middle East". HuffPost.
- ^ Khalife, Leyal (12 July 2017). "Elissa released a new music video and people are speechless". StepFeed. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Lebanese star signs deal with Pepsi". Khaleej Times. 6 September 2023. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ Tarot, Jean-philippe. "Elissa Khoury, la chanteuse du Moyen-Orient en visite chez Corum : une journée sous le charme oriental". Montres-de-luxe.com (in French). Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "Lebanese pop sensation reveals breast cancer battle in music video". Reuters. 13 August 2018. Retrieved 1 April 2024.
- ^ "ملف استنادي دولي افتراضي" (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 18 September 2017. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- ^ International Who's who in Popular Music. United Kingdom: Europa Publications Limited. 2009.
- ^ a b c "Lebanese Information Minister to honor Elissa for her career". EgyptToday. 26 August 2018.
- ^ "Lebanese singer Elissa: I am against the Assad regime". Baladi News (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 5 June 2021.
- ^ a b "'Stop the war': Elissa urges fans to pray for Syria". 5 April 2017.
- ^ عزالدين, أميرة (25 January 2024). "عن الانتصار والانكسار.. إليسا تكشف أسرارا عن مرضها وعائلتها في «It's OK»". El Watan (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 25 January 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ زكريا, عصام (31 January 2024). "It's Ok.. مفاجأة إليسا ونتفليكس في عمل لا تنقصه الصراحة". Asharq News (in Arabic). Archived from the original on 1 February 2024. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ a b Pauline Fadel (13 April 2023). "إليسا.. و«المسرح الساخر»". Al-Anba (in Arabic). Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ "أليسا..." Farfesh. 29 February 2004. Retrieved 5 April 2024.
- ^ ElissaVEVO (21 June 2009). "Elissa - Baddy Doub" – via YouTube.
- ^ Elissa (3 May 2012). "Elissa - Ayshalak (Official Clip) / إليسا - عايشالك" – via YouTube.
- ^ Rola Nasr (29 January 2004). "خاص "إيلاف" النجمة إليسا تمثل الشرق الأوسط في مؤتمر نجمات "بيبسي" والعالم" (in Arabic). Elaph. Archived from the original on 1 October 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- ^ a b "Elissa - Biographie". Tuniscope (in French). Archived from the original on 28 September 2020. Retrieved 16 September 2021.
- ^ Elissa (3 August 2012). "Elissa - Maa Sabk Al Esrar (Audio) / اليسا - مع سبق الإصرار" – via YouTube.
- ^ Elissa (22 August 2014). "Elissa - Law (Long version) / اليسا - لو" – via YouTube.
- ^ Rotana (12 December 2014). "Elissa - Hob Kol Hayati (Official clip) / إليسا - حب كل حياتي" – via YouTube.
- ^ Rotana (25 July 2014). "Halet Hob ... Elissa - Lyrics - حالة حب ... إليسا - كلمات" – via YouTube.
- ^ Rotana (8 September 2016). "Elissa ... Maktooba Leek - With Lyrics / إليسا ... مكتوبة ليك - بالكلمات" – via YouTube.
- ^ "Account Suspended". www.standardrepublic.com.
- ^ Rotana (19 July 2017). "Elissa ... Aaks Elli Shayfenha - Video Clip - إليسا ... عكس اللي شايفينها - فيديو كليب" – via YouTube.
- ^ ""عكس اللي شايفينها" لـ إليسا إختيار موفّق أنجي جمّال".
- ^ "WATCH: Elissa music video hits 3 million views in first week". 24 July 2017.
- ^ "Account Suspended". www.standardrepublic.com.
- ^ Bechara Maroun (3 August 2017). "Elissa - Wahashtouni HD وحشتوني - اليسا Beirut Holidays 2017" – via YouTube.
- ^ "Elissa - Ana Majnouni (By Camil Khoury) - Play for free on Anghami". 14 August 2017.
- ^ ""مجنونة" اليسا في الصدارة مجددّاً". 29 August 2017.
- ^ "تعاون أخوي بين كميل وإليسا والنتيجة "الصدارة" – 7asriyan". www.7asriyan.com. Archived from the original on 18 August 2017. Retrieved 17 August 2017.
- ^ "MBC announces newest 'The Voice' coaches - Egypt Independent". 7 September 2017.
- ^ "Elissa and Essi: Here are the New Judges on The Voice!". 6 September 2017.
- ^ "Elissa - Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni - Play for free on Anghami". 11 July 2018.
- ^ "Review: 'Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni', Elissa Drops First Song From New Album And It Is Growing on Us". 12 July 2018.
- ^ "Elissa 2018 - Play for free on Anghami". Anghami.
- ^ "Text Your Ex This Song! Elissa Just Dropped Second Track From Upcoming Album, Entitled 'Krahni'". 18 July 2018.
- ^ "Elissa ... Krahni - 2018 | إليسا ... كرهني - بالكلمات". YouTube. Retrieved 1 August 2018.
- ^ "Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni by Elissa on Apple Music". 24 July 2018.
- ^ "16 أغنية جديدة في ألبوم إليسا 'إلى كل اللي بيحبوني'". البوابة نيوز. 27 July 2018.
- ^ Rotana (24 July 2018). "Elissa ... Wahashtouni - 2018 - إليسا ... وحشتوني - بالكلمات" – via YouTube.
- ^ a b Rotana (7 August 2018). "Elissa ... Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni - Video Clip 2018 - إليسا ... إلى كل اللي بيحبوني - فيديو كليب" – via YouTube.
- ^ a b "Lebanese pop sensation Elissa reveals breast cancer battle in music video". 13 August 2018.
- ^ a b c "How Lebanese sensation Elissa defeated cancer - Annahar Staff". 8 August 2018. Archived from the original on 9 August 2018. Retrieved 8 August 2018.
- ^ لوك لوك (10 August 2018). "اليسا تعلق على مرضها بالسرطان فى اول ظهور لها بعد مرض السرطان فى حفلة اليسا اعياد بيروت 2018" – via YouTube.
- ^ "إليسا: سعيدة بزيارة تونس يوم إعلان المساواة بين الرجل والمرأة في الميراث — النهار أونلاين". 14 August 2018.
- ^ "عاجل - اليسا على وشك الانفصال عن"روتانا" بسبب ضياع ارشيفها: "انا مدمرة"". Laha Magazine. 11 October 2018.
- ^ "Lebanese star Elissa has not been deleted from the internet". The National. 12 October 2018.
- ^ "Elissa - Krahni [Official Music Video] (2019) / اليسا - كرهني" – via www.youtube.com.
- ^ Elissa [@elissakh] (10 November 2018). "My very first song of the new album is officially chosen. I can't stop listening to it and I can't thank @AmirTeima and @ziadbourjiii enough for it! I declare the launch of #ElissaAlbum12 journey!" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Elissa to perform in Egypt on Jan.18". EgyptToday. 4 January 2019.
- ^ "Elissa to perform cancer-benefit concert in Egypt on January 18". Sada El Balad. 6 February 2023.
- ^ "Bassam Fattouh and Elissa Collaborate On a New Eyeshadow Palette". Vogue Arabia. 4 July 2019. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
- ^ Telecom Egypt (22 July 2019). "أغنية وي .. قبل أى حد - غناء اليسا" – via YouTube.
- ^ Elissa [@elissakh] (19 August 2019). "I am preparing this new album with a lot of love and passion. The reason is that it will be the last one in my career. I am announcing this with a heavy heart but with a lot of conviction because I can't work in a field that is similar to mafias. I can't be productive anymore" (Tweet) – via Twitter.
- ^ "Elissa, Lebanese pop star, retires from 'mafia-like' music industry". BBC News. 19 August 2019. Retrieved 28 August 2022.
- ^ "رواد "تويتر" يطلقون "كلنا إليسا".. وأحدهم يدعو جمهورها للتظاهر أمام بيتها - مصراوي". Masrawy. Retrieved 31 August 2019.
- ^ Yara Sameh (23 July 2020). "Elissa Unveils "Sahbit Raey" Album Cover". Sada El Balad English. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
- ^ "Sahbit Raey - Elissa". Deezer. Archived from the original on 24 July 2020. Retrieved 24 July 2020.
- ^ "إهداء من إليسا للبنانيين: "أكتر من اللي شفناه ما رح يصير"" (in Arabic). Lebanese Forces. 1 August 2020. Archived from the original on 15 August 2020. Retrieved 15 August 2020.
- ^ "Elissa on Twitter".
- ^ "Elissa continues to combat breast cancer". EgyptToday. 4 October 2018.
- ^ "Cancer survivor Elissa tweets in support of Lebanese beauty runner-up". english.alarabiya.net. 30 September 2018.
- ^ Al Shurafa, Sara (7 August 2018). "Lebanese singer Elissa announces she has fought breast cancer through new video".
- ^ "After Elissa, fans of Myriam Fares shocked at 'cancer' rumors". english.alarabiya.net. 10 August 2018.
- ^ "Lebanese Diva Breaks Taboo With Clip Announcing Cancer Fight".
- ^ "Gaby -SAVER on Twitter".
- ^ "Elissa chosen as ambassador for breast cancer awareness campaign". EgyptToday. 14 October 2018.
- ^ "Elissa visits Maarab in show of support for Geagea - News, Lebanon News - THE DAILY STAR". www.dailystar.com.lb. Archived from the original on 23 October 2021. Retrieved 18 March 2019.
- ^ Celebrities around the world voice Palestine support amidst Israeli aggression. Wafa. 17 October 2023.
- ^ Peak chart positions for singles and songs in Lebanon:
- "The Official Lebanese Top 20 – Elissa Chart History". The Official Lebanese Top 20. Retrieved 20 February 2023.
- ^ Peak chart position for single in MENA:
- "Min Awel Dekika": "The Official Mena Chart - This Week's Official MENA Chart Top 20 from 25/11/2022 to 01/12/2022". theofficialmenachart.com. International Federation of the Phonographic Industry. 6 December 2022. Archived from the original on 7 December 2022. Retrieved 7 December 2022.
