Lebanese-American singer Mayssa Karaa and Italian tenor Andrea Bocelli on stage in Abu Dhabi. (Credit: Priscilla Selhorst)
"It was magical and happened so fast," Mayssa Karaa told L'Orient-Le Jour about her performance alongside Andrea Bocelli during the New Year's Eve concert at the Emirates Palace Mandarin Oriental in Abu Dhabi. "Throughout, I felt like I knew him, as if we had already performed together."
According to several audience members who reacted on social media, the evening was worthy of the world's great stages, with an exceptional performance by this new duo. Karaa, the first artist to sing in Arabic with Bocelli, dazzled by performing a version of The Prayer that she arranged herself in her native language.
In front of a captivated audience, Karaa mixed English, Italian and Arabic in a repertoire that also included Can't Help Falling in Love and Canto della Terra.
"It was magical," repeated the singer.
For Karaa, who claims her cultural heritage while exploring diverse genres, sharing the stage with Bocelli was an achievement: "It exceeded my expectations. As an artist from the Middle East, singing in Arabic with him on one of my favorite songs was a dream come true."
Despite his global legendary status, Bocelli impressed with his humility and kindness.
"The meeting was wonderful, he is extremely kind and humble. During the rehearsals, after the first two songs, he told me: 'No need to continue, I trust you.'" On stage, he did not hesitate to encourage Mayssa, whispering words like: "Very good, it's beautiful."
Born in Beirut in 1989 and a graduate of Berklee College of Music, Karaa has distinguished herself with bold performances, incorporating Arabic influences into pop and rock classics. Her covers of White Rabbit and Comfortably Numb are perfect examples. With this notable performance, she solidified her role as a bridge between cultures.
"The interaction with the audience was beautiful. They were touched by the presence of an artist from the region," she said.
Buoyed by this success, Karaa is preparing to start 2025 with new projects. "Inshallah (God willing) soon in Lebanon. I will release a new single that I filmed in Lebanon. In the coming months, I will be in my homeland," she stated with enthusiasm.
An event that served as a reminder that music remains a universal language, capable of transcending borders and creating unforgettable moments.
