Elissa was born in Deir al-Ahmar and raised amidst the spectacular, natural scenery of the Bekaa valley. She gained a degree in Political Science from the Lebanese University, Her first forays into art and artistic activities consisted of acting in theatres of political critique, namely with well-known Cnansonmer Wassim Tabbara, and the "Theatre de 10 Heures". This was the first time she came in contact with an audience, the overwhelming warmth of which she immediately took to.

Her theatrical beginnings motivated her to move on to Singing, which she did in 1992-3, when she participated in 'Studio A1 Fan'. The show was broadcast On LBCI, one of the most renowned TV stations in the Middle East . Elissa won a silver medal over the course of her stay in the program.

Following this, she performed in concert tirelessly until 1999, when Lido Productions released her first album, 'Baddy Doub', Elissa's debut on the commercial music scene was an event of considerable importance. The album was a success, and featured a smash hit with famous French gypsy act, Gerard Ferrer. The release of this first album took her straight to Cannes , to participate in the International Music Festival of 2000.

Following this first success, Elissa released her second album, 'Wakherra Maak', which in turn included the hit duet 'Bitghib Betrouh', sung with Lebanese superstar Ragheb Alameh. 'Bitghib Betrouh' was a massive hit, and is still being played on radio and TV today, more than three years after its initial release.

Elissa's current album, 'Aichalak', has been the number one selling album in the Middle East since Its release In June 2002. For this album, Elissa took advantage of the considerable momentum of her previous 2 albums, and managed to surpass it. The video clip of the album's hit single, also entitled 'Aichalak', was filmed in Paris with acclaimed French director Fabrice Begotti-Elissa was officially dressed and made up by Christian Dior Paris for the entire duration of the shoot. This was the first time the illustrious French designer collaborated with an Arabic artist.

2002 brought Elissa more consecration with the winning of the Murex d'Or award for best female artist. Hot on the heels of the outstanding 'Aichalak',, Elissa shook the music scene further by teaming up wjth world-famous Irish singer Chris De Burgh. The collaboration of these two talents resulted in the in the historic duet 'Lebanese nights', included on De Burgh's 2002 album, "Timing is Everything'. To crown the year, Elissa was included in the anthology book "100 Pioneers of Lebanon', alongside artists such as Fairuz, Wadih al-Safi, as well as many other celebrities who have left their mark on the Lebanese cultural, political and social landscape, Elissa is more than just a rising talent. With three smash hit albums already released, she has surpassed expectations and risen above the rest of her generation, achieving full-fledged star status. With one of the biggest fan bases In the Middle East, Elissa has marked the musical scene in a big way, now and for years to come.

Elissa Website