'Not me'

Nancy did not attempt to hide her annoyance at being asked about the compromising video, a source of alarm and amusement for her many fans.

The video was spread easily, courtesy Bluetooth.

"That was not me in the video," she told Gulf News, blaming modern technology and electronic video editing techniques for 15 minutes of notoriety.

"I have been asked this question many, many times. Everyone knows it is not me."

Long wait

The singer was recently in Dubai to promote the new line of Damas jewellery that she wore throughout the interview - and is expected to wear in a soon-to-be released music video.

Security personnel at the event, who seemed to outnumber the invitees, had Nancy surrounded at all times.

Journalists who had fixed an appointment to speak to her a day before were made to wait in a queue outside a locked door for more than an hour to get their chance.

Once in, one of her minders kept a constant eye on them and were kind enough to inform the reporters when their five minutes were up.

Smiling

Mostly cheerful, the smiling singing sensation enthusiastically talked about her five albums, all of which she says were absolute successes - something her millions of fans would confirm.

Asked whether she'd consider acting as a career, Nancy said she had no such intention and preferred to continue singing and endorsing big brands such Damas and Coca Cola.

She refused to disclose details of her deal with Damas, saying that what mattered to her was the satisfaction of her fans, not money.

And no, she doesn't want to start her own label (unlike another young singing star, Beyonce).

Aware

Nancy's music videos set fashion trends across the Middle East and is aired in every Arabic music channel.

She also tours in Arab countries and beyond, including Europe and North America. S

he is clearly aware of how her songs sell. Asked to name a couple of her most popular songs, she said Ya Tab Tab (I pamper him) instantly.

"I pamper him, I burn myself up but all he cares about is that I satisfy him," she elaborated, reciting a couple of lines.

And the other song, she pointed out, was Ah w Nuss (ah, and a half).

Early start

Nancy Ajram was first discovered by the cameras at the age of 12 when she participated in the television programme Noujoum Al Mustakbal (Stars of the Future). She won a gold medal.

Nancy says it did not take her long to decide on singing as a career.

She went on to study vocal and music theory with some of Lebanon's top music teachers.

Helping nature

Nancy Ajram admitted to two plastic surgeries but would not give details, beyond saying both were "successful".

"I advise all Arabic women to go for plastic surgery if it will make them look better," she said.

However, the secret of her own beauty lay in a healthy lifestyle and regular workouts, she emphasised.

I love Dubai

"I admire how they have turned the desert into a modern country. I like it here," said Nancy Ajram. Her Dubai fans should be pleased.