Elissa Becomes 1st Arab to Hit Billion Views on YouTube

Lebanese superstar Elissa hit one billion views on YouTube, becoming the first Arab singer to reach this milestone.

"#Elissa1Year1Billion" hashtag topped the search engines on Twitter in Lebanon, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, Libya, and Syria.

Two weeks ago, Elissa went to the US to undergo palm surgery.

She noted: “I am on a quick trip for a small and easy procedure for my hand. You don’t have to worry or be alarmed. Thank you for asking. Love you loads ❤.”

Elissa has been the highest-selling female Middle Eastern artist since 2005. She sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

In 2005, she became the first Lebanese singer to be awarded the World Music Award for Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist, an award that she earned once again in 2006 and 2010.

The singer is often referred to as “Maliket El Ehsas” (Queen of Emotions) by fans and the media. 

Contributed by Yara Sameh