We talk to the new Arab Idol winner, Hazem Sharif after his triumph in Beirut to find out what his plans for the future are.
You were the clear favourite throughout the season. Were you scared that tag could work against you in the final?
I tried my best not to pay attention to it. The two other finalists are also amazing singers in their own right and I believe they have also done enough to be the Arab Idol. All I could do was keep working hard and prove that I deserve to be here. I am happy to finally win the competition.
Part of your prize for winning Arab Idol is a recording contract that has you releasing three singles. Are you disappointed that it wasn't a whole album instead?
Not really. After Arab Idol I always intended to focus on working on new songs and releasing a few singles. To be honest, it is a little bit to early for me to be talking about an album. I just want to take it one step at a time.
Honestly now, if you were an audience member who would have been your choice for Arab Idol?
Well, when it comes to the other finalists Haitham Khalailah and Majed Al Madani I really can’t say because those two have amazing voices. But one voice that I really loved in the competition was of Ammar Kufi. When he was voted out of the competition not long ago I was absolutely shocked. I thought he would have made it to the final.
When you were declared the winner, the first person you ran to celebrate with was your mother. Did she give you any words of advice before the finals?
It was more than that. She has been my biggest supporter period. To have her in the studio today was really important to me. Whenever I felt a little nervous I would just look at her and I would feel confident again. To share this amazing moment with her and the rest of my family is amazing really.
Finally, now that the show is over what is your immediate plans?
I will take a break to gather my thoughts. I have learned that to have a career in the music industry you need to be smart about your choices, so I just want to think about that for a bit. I also need to turn on my phone again and get back to all the friends who supported me and left messages.
sasaeed@thenational.ae