Dubai: An Egyptian journalism student has won the eighth season of the pan-Arab televised talent show Star Academy.
Nesma Mahgoub, a student of the American University of Cairo, was crowned the winner on Friday at a star-studded affair evening, featuring live performances by Lebanese singer Najwa Karam, and Tunisian star Saber Al Rebaie.
Mahgoub, who did not receive a single eviction nomination during her three-month stay at the Star Academy house, received more than 50 per cent of the public vote during the live finale. She was one of three contestants up for the prize alongside fellow Egyptian Ahmed Ezzat, who came second, and Sarah Fareh from Syria.
The aspiring singer has been performing since the age of ten, starting out in her school's choir, before joining the acclaimed children's choir at the Cairo Opera House under the supervision of maestro Selim Sahab.
She later studied opera with renowned soprano Neveen Allouba, performing at many events in the process.
