Since winning the eighth season of Star Academy, Nesma Mahgoub certainly has had to get used to a number of changes in her life.
Apart from now being a household name, the 22-year-old student, who became the second Egyptian to win the reality TV show and music competition, has admitted she hasn't even managed to see her parents thanks to a schedule packed with press interviews, public appearances and work meetings.
Nesma, 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 Ahmad Ezzat, who came second, and Sarah Fareh from Syria. Not bad for someone who hadn't even watched the show before applying.
Congratulations on winning Star Academy 8. You once said you had never watched the show before applying. What made you change your mind?
I went with [my fiance] Mustafa Rashad, who wanted to audition for the show. At that time, I had no interest in applying as I hadn't even watched the show and didn't know what it was about. But during auditions, I received a call from someone who pretended to be [Star Academy 7 Egyptian contestant] Mahmoud Shoukry, telling me he had seen me sing and was a fan and that I should watch his videos.
I watched them and really liked the concept of Star Academy, so applied. It turns out it was a nice prank played on me to get me to apply.
How did you feel upon entering the house and living under a microscope, so to speak?
We know that we're going into a reality show, so we were expecting that our every move would be filmed and televised.
However, it took a little getting used to the cameras that were moving around the rooms constantly.
Did you all get on?
It was a bit of a bizarre situation to be in at the beginning, because it took some time getting used to everyone else's accents, but we all got on very well.
You reached the finals with fellow Egyptian Ahmad. Were you concerned you'd lose to him as he had a lot of support from Egypt?
The only concern was that if the votes split then Sarah would win the finale. But at the end of the day, I didn't care if Ahmad or I won. All I cared about was that either I would win or Ahmad would win.
We really wanted Egypt to be the title holder this year.
Did the revolution play a part in you wanting an Egyptian to win?
The revolution played a huge role in encouraging young people to take notice of Egypt, and that we could all contribute to change in the country. It definitely means a lot for Egypt to win this year after what we had been going through.
You met a number of famous faces during your time in the house. Do you have any memorable moments?
I performed with Samira Saeed and Sherine, and they were both really friendly. Sherine caught me backstage and told me she loved my voice. That was lovely.
Do you have any advice for those who apply for season nine?
Your dreams will come true if you work hard at it. Reaching the final of Star Academy was not easy and I worked day and night on improving myself. By the end of the show's run, I was able to reach notes I couldn't reach before.
You were in a band before entering Star Academy. Will you continue performing with them?
I would love to continue with them as a band — not just because they are just a fantastic group of talented people, but also because they are my close friends and I love them so much.
It would be an honour for me to continue performing with them.
‘Show me the money'
Angham clearly does not like getting into the Ramadan spirit. Whilst the holy month is meant to be a time for giving, the Egyptian singer has gone and announced that she won't make any television appearances for less than $20,000 (Dh73,450).
According to news reports, Angham has already turned down a request from Al Dictator (The Dictator), presented by Ebrahim Eisa on post-revolution channel Al Tahrir after producers refused to meet her monetary demand.
The singer has also reportedly turned down offers from other programmes for the same reason. All this whilst most Egyptian stars are reducing their wages due to the unstable economical conditions in the country.
Tamer tamed
Rumour has it Tamer Hosny's star is on the decline after his latest album flopped — his first failed release during his nearly 10-year career.
Ironically titled Elli Gai Ahla (The Best is Yet to Come), the album has shifted a measly 35,000 copies since its release earlier this month.
It has been a rough six months for Hosny, who faced public backlash in February after pledging his support for Hosni Mubarak during the Egyptian demonstrations, only to change his stance after Mubarak was overthrown.
Since then, the singer has had to put his latest film, Omar w Salma 3 (Omar and Salma 3), on hold, and hasn't received a single concert offer.
Who's going to be Simon?
Ragheb Alama and Ahlam have been announced as two of the three judges who will front the Arabic version of American Idol, Arab Idol.
Contestants from a host of Arab countries will get the chance to compete for a record deal with MBC's production company, Platinum Records.
The show, which will be televised on MBC, will feature Lebanese Alama, Emirati Ahlam and one more famous face that is yet to be revealed. Whilst the judges will choose who makes it to the final, only the public will get to choose the winner.
