Once more, photographs of Lebanese singer Alissa are splashed across Western magazines, after winning the ‘2005 World Music Award’ for highest record sales in the Middle East and Northern Africa. Alissa is the first Arab to receive the prestigious award.

The singer was presented the award for having the highest record sales for her album “Ahla Dunia” (The Perfect World). American singer Paula Abdoul presented Alissa her award.

But this time it was not Alissa’s accomplishments as a singer that drew the attention of American magazine ‘US,’ instead it was to compare the dress she wore to the awards ceremony to the same one worn by American pop star Jennifer Lopez at an event in New York.     
 
 

The magazine held a poll to see who people thought looked better in the dress - Alissa or Jennifer. The shocking results – the American public thought Alissa looked much better in the dress then Jennifer by 67% of the votes.

The dress Alissa wore, purchased in Lebanon, is by famous fashion designer Michael Chorus.

Alissa denied circulating rumors that she had ‘bought’ the ‘World Music Award,’ stressing that jealously was behind such lies. She reiterated the highest record sales which her latest album achieved, adding that the award had nothing to do with her looks or personality.

A large number of prominent international singers like Beyonce, Maria Carey, John Bon Jovi, and others were present at the event that took place at the Kodak Plus Hall on August 31.

Alissa stated that she was overjoyed and honored to receive such an award. She considers the award an achievement for her and all Arab singers, proving they have what it takes to compete with the West.

From Al Bawaba