Entertainment News - Lebanese Examiner

Celine Dion wears power suit by Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz

Iconic singer Celine Dion wore a bright yellow power suit by Lebanese fashion designer Rabih Kayrouz during a visit to Southeast Asia.

The Canadian songstress posed for an Instagram photo while sitting on the edge of a window in Bangkok, Thailand.

Dion was in the country as part of her 2018 tour in seven cities across the Asia-Pacific region.

In an Instagram post, Dion said her power suit was designed by fashion house Maison Rabih Kayrouz, which was established in Paris in 2008.

Dion also recognized the other designers in the Instagram post, including her Prada shoes and earrings, Chloe sunglasses and Jennifer Fisher earrings.

Celine Dion wore a yellow power suit made by a Lebanese designer during a visit to Thailand. (Instagram/Celine Dion)

Designer Rabih Kayrouz was born in Lebanon and immigrated to Paris to study at a well-known fashion school in Paris. He returned to Lebanon and specialized in designing evening gowns and wedding dresses.

In 2015, Kayrouz moved back to Paris to open his own design house, which is located at 38 Boulevard Raspail in Downtown Paris.

Examiner StaffAugust 12, 2018, 10:53 pmAugust 12, 2018 Comments Off 4690

Entertainment

VIDEO: Luciana Zogbi combines four trending songs in beautiful mashup!

Lebanese-Brazilian singer Luciana Zogbi combined four trending songs from the Billboard Hot 100 list on a beautiful mashup video posted on YouTube.

The singer included the songs:

Maroon 5’s “Girls Like You” featuring Cardi B
Shawn Mendes’ “In My Blood”
Calvin Harris and Dua Lipa’s “One Kiss”
Post Malone’s “Better Now”

WATCH: Luciana Zogbi combines four trending songs in beautiful mashup!

The independent multilingual singer shot to fame in 2014 after her cover of John Legend’s “All of Me” went viral, garnering more than 76 million views worldwide.

Zogbi has nearly 200 million combined video views on YouTube, and 1.8 million subscribers.

Lebanese-Brazilian singer Luciana Zogbi is known for her YouTube channel, which has more than 200 million total video views. (Facebook/Luciana Zogbi)

She most recently explored a mashup with lyrics from Havana, Mi Gna, Mi Gente, New Rules, Strip That Down and IDGAF.

Examiner StaffAugust 9, 2018, 9:42 pmAugust 9, 2018 Comments Off 8171

Entertainment

Vote for this Lebanese-Canadian beauty for Miss Universe Canada!

A Lebanese-Canadian beauty is competing in the Miss Universe Canada competition on Aug. 18 in Toronto.

Rita Houkayem is one of 46 contestants hoping to clinch the Miss Universe Canada title, and move on to the global Miss Universe Pageant.

Lebanese-Canadian beauty Rita Houkayem is one of 46 contestants hoping to become Miss Universe Canada. (Facebook/Rita Houkayem)

Houkayem, who speaks four languages, holds a master’s degree in International Affairs. She works as a policy analyst for the Canadian government, where she focuses on information and communications technologies.

QUICK FACTS:

Height: 5’9
Hometown: Toronto, ON
Languages: English, French, Arabic, Spanish
Occupation: Public Servant

In an interview with Miss Universe Canada, Houkayem expressed pride in her Lebanese roots.

“I have also visited Lebanon numerous times and have fallen in love with it after every trip. It is one of the most intriguing places in the world as it has experienced centuries of conquest and turmoil but remains as one of the most vibrant places. Fun fact, it is the home of the Phoenicians, the civilization that created the foundation for the modern Alphabet and is characterized by charming ancient cities such as Byblos, which is the oldest continuously inhabited city in the world. To me, this little country conveys a message of hope and resiliency to the world, inhabiting people from eighteen different religious sects, coexisting peacefully despite all their differences.”

In the future, Houkayem hopes to become an international leader in education and development, and a UN ambassador for youth and women.

VOTE HERE: Rita Houkayem for Miss Universe Canada.

Examiner StaffAugust 9, 2018, 8:18 pmAugust 9, 2018 Comments Off 5485

Entertainment

France’s former first lady performs at Beiteddine Art Festival in Lebanon

France’s former first lady Carla Bruni performed during the Beiteddine Art Festival at the 200-year-old Beiteddine Palace in Lebanon’s Chouf Mountains.

Bruni, who is married to former French president Nicolas Sarkozy, was invited to perform during the event, which bills itself as “one of the leading festivals in the Middle East.” It was her first visit to Lebanon.

“Thank you beautiful Beirut for your warm welcome,” Bruni posted on Instagram.

Merci @beiteddinefestival ?? Thank you beautiful Beirut for your warm welcome ??❤️ #frenchtouchtour #frenchtouchontheroad #beiteddinefestival
A post shared by Carla Bruni (@carlabruniofficial) on Jul 31, 2018 at 1:18am PDT

The Italian-French singer-songwriter and supermodel is promoting her album “French Touch,” which was released in October 2017.

Former President Nicolas Sarkozy was also spotted supporting his wife on an Instagram photo posted by the Beiteddine Art Festival.

The Beiteddine Art Festival posted a photo on Instagram showing former French President Nicolas Sarkozy attending the concert in Lebanon. (Beiteddine Art Festival)

The festival was attended by several Lebanese officials, including former President Michel Sleiman and Prime Minister Saad Hariri.

According to its website, the art festival is held in July and August, and celebrates the music and cultural contributions of Lebanese artists and global stars.

Born in Italy, Bruni is best known for her career as one of Europe’s top models. In the 1990s, the 50-year-old superstar delved into singing and songwriting.

Examiner StaffAugust 8, 2018, 9:53 pmAugust 8, 2018 Comments Off 3064

Entertainment

Lebanese singer Elissa reveals battle with breast cancer in music video

Lebanese superstar Elissa revealed her battle with breast cancer in an emotional music video for her latest single, “Ila Kol Elli Bihebbouni,” or “For All Those Who Love Me.”

Elissa shared parts of her journey in the 7-minute video, published by Arab record label Rotana.

The video starts with a clip of Elissa undergoing an MRI scan in December 2017.

“You know that moment when you wonder, ‘Will I ever see the people I love again? Those who love me back?'” she said.

The chilling narration shows the incredible courage of the 46-year-old singer, who still hosted performances during her battle with breast cancer.

WATCH: Elissa reveals battle with breast cancer in emotional music video:

“I do my radiotherapy session, I got to the studio, I finish another session,” Elissa recalled. “I rest for two hours, and go to the studio again. Once a week, I was going live on TV.”

The music video is the first time Elissa revealed her battle with cancer to fans.

The music video begins with video of Elissa undergoing an MRI scan. (Rotana)

“I’ve recovered, I’ve beaten the illness and I won,” she said. “Early detection of breast cancer can save your life.”

On Instagram, the superstar said she wanted the video to be an inspirational message that cancer can be fought.

“This music video shouldn’t make you cry. It’s a reason to smile, be happy, and grateful,” she said. “We can fight cancer if we know about it in early stages. I love you all.”

Elissa, whose real name is Elissar Zakaria Khoury, is a popular Lebanese recording artist, and the first Lebanese singer to receive the World Music Award for Best Selling Middle Eastern Artist in 2006.

She has sold over 30 million albums worldwide.

Examiner StaffAugust 8, 2018, 9:25 pmAugust 8, 2018 Comments Off 5375

Entertainment

VIDEO: Jimmy Kimmel’s hilarious exchange with a tourist from Beirut

A Lebanese tourist didn’t seem to recognize late-night TV host Jimmy Kimmel when he walked up to her and introduced himself, the late-night star recalled during a recent monologue.

The tourist was taking a photo of Kimmel’s Hollywood star when the host decided to walk up to her and make her day. But it didn’t go as planned!

The fan was taking a picture of Jimmy Kimmel's Hollywood star when he approached her. (YouTube screen grab) — The fan was taking a picture of Jimmy Kimmel’s Hollywood star when he approached her. (YouTube screen grab)

He approached the woman and said, “Hi, I’m Jimmy Kimmel.”

The woman replied, “No you’re not!”

He asked where she is from, and she replied Beirut.

“You know, I am Jimmy Kimmel,” he said again.

“You wish you had his money,” she replied.

Kimmel said he was heading to the movie theatre when he noticed the woman and her child taking a photo of his star. He thought it would be a fun surprise to come up to them.

“I think I might need to hire a publicist in Beirut,” Kimmel joked.

WATCH: Jimmy Kimmel says a Lebanese fan didn’t believe he was Jimmy Kimmel:

Rabih KJuly 29, 2018, 10:51 pmJuly 29, 2018 Comments Off 2012

Entertainment

Mia Khalifa to undergo surgery after hockey puck smashes into breast

Former Lebanese adult film star Mia Khalifa will undergo surgery after a hockey puck smashed into her left breast and ruptured her implant, the New York Post reported.

Khalifa was watching the Washington Capitals during a playoff game when a hockey puck came flying over the glass and toward her chest.

“It caught me so off guard and I had no idea it was coming,” the former porn star told Daily Star Online. “I grabbed my chest and I didn’t want to let go, because I felt like if I did let go blood was going to be everywhere.”

Khalifa, 25, said she plans to undergo surgery and repair the “deflated” implant at the start of next year.

Also, I got hit in the boob with a puck during the game, and I’m 80% sure it ruptured an implant. But the good news is, I got a game used puck from a Capitals Stanley cup playoff game. Worth it.
A post shared by Mia K. (@miakhalifa) on May 18, 2018 at 8:46am PDT

She posted a photo on Instagram and wrote, “The good news is, I got a game used puck from a Capitals Stanley cup playoff game. Worth it.”

A standard hockey puck weighs between 5.5 and 6 ounces.

“They’re really heavy, it’s pure rubber, they go at about 80 mph,” Khalifa added. “My left breast is slightly deflated now.”

Former Lebanese porn star Mia Khalifa is set to undergo surgery after a hockey puck smashed into her left breast and damaged an implant. (Instagram/Mia Khalifa)

Khalifa said she left the porn industry after receiving death threats from terror groups, and called her porn career a “huge mistake.” She now co-hosts the Sportsball podcast on RoosterTeeth.com.

Her short stint in porn caused a stir in Lebanon after her parents announced they would disassociate themselves from her.

“It all started to spiral out of control when the death threats from ISIS started coming in,” Mia told disgraced cyclist Lance Armstrong in an interview. “That’s when I stepped away.”

Examiner StaffJuly 29, 2018, 10:34 pmJuly 29, 2018 3 12456

Entertainment

Buy tickets for The Chainsmokers show in Byblos before all seats are sold out

The music experience in Lebanon this summer is already one of the best years on record with performances from Shakira, Mike Massey and the world renowned electronic music festival Tomorrowland.

Now the Chainsmokers are making an appearance at the Byblos International Festival on August 1, and spots are filling up quickly!

All general admission and VIP standing tickets are already sold out. The only tickets available are seats located in zones C and D that overlook the venue.

The remaining tickets range from about $110 to $115 per person.

The world’s most celebrated pop duo are coming to Byblos, Lebanon! (www.ticketingboxoffice.com)

This will be the first year the annual Byblos Festival will be an all-standing concert, according to the Facebook event page.

The event will take place at the Byblos Grand Stand in Jbeil Port, Lebanon and is expected to start at 8:30 p.m.

Tickets can be purchased on the Ticketingboxoffice Apple and Android apps and on their website at this link.

Rabih KJuly 24, 2018, 9:06 pmJuly 24, 2018 Comments Off 1984

Entertainment

Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon engaged to Lebanese businessman

Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon announced her engagement to Lebanese businessman Fady El Soury, reported Filipino celebrity news site PEP.ph.

The proposal was held Sunday at the Nature Wellness Village resort in Tagaytay City, a popular holiday town south of Manila.

The actress was surprised when the waiter served a dish with the words, “Marry Me!”

“I’ve been waiting for a while,” Lotlot said.

El Soury, who goes by the name Fred, is the founder of the Phillipines-based Fady Sports, which sells outdoor and sporting goods.

“I went down on one knee and I told her, ‘Do not cry,'” he told PEP.ph. “I was planning on it — it’s been actually more than a month.”

Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon announced her engagement to Lebanese businessman Fady El Soury. (Instagram/Lotlot de Leon)

Lotlot de Leon is a well-known actress in the Phillipines, best known for her role in the variety show “That’s Entertainment,” broadcasted by the GMA Network in the late 1980’s.

Her most recent work includes drama, romantic series and action. She was previously married to former matinee idol Ramon Christopher Gutierre before their separation in 2010.

Lotlot and Fady have been together for six years. A beach wedding is planned for December, they said.

Examiner StaffJuly 17, 2018, 11:37 amJuly 17, 2018 Comments Off 6648

Entertainment

WATCH: Highlights from Shakira’s performance in Lebanon!

Shakira’s performance during the Cedars International Festival in Lebanon drew a crowd of over 14,000 people, organizers announced.

The Colombian-Lebanese superstar performed during the opening night of the festival as part of her “El Dorado World Tour.”

WATCH: Highlights from Shakira’s visit to Lebanon!

A swarm of fans and local media welcomed Shakira at the airport, where she was spotted with her two children Milan and Sasha.

“I am very happy to be here in Lebanon,” she said. “This is the land of my ancestors and I’m very proud of my heritage — my Lebanese heritage.”

She also visited her grandmother’s hometown of Tannourine, where officials inaugurated the ‘Shakira Square’ in her honor.

Shakira gets ready for her performance during the Cedars International Festival. (Facebook/Cedars International Festival)

“I have always thought of my family like the cedars,” Shakira said. “These beautiful trees have been transplanted to Columbia to produce fruit — like the fruit of these Cedars.”

In a statement, festival organizers said they invited Shakira to “send a message of peace from the cedars and from Lebanon to the world.”

Examiner StaffJuly 14, 2018, 12:51 pmJuly 14, 2018 1 3442

Entertainment

Celine Dion wears power suit by Lebanese designer Rabih Kayrouz

VIDEO: Luciana Zogbi combines four trending songs in beautiful mashup!

Vote for this Lebanese-Canadian beauty for Miss Universe Canada!

France’s former first lady performs at Beiteddine Art Festival in Lebanon

Lebanese singer Elissa reveals battle with breast cancer in music video

VIDEO: Jimmy Kimmel’s hilarious exchange with a tourist from Beirut

Mia Khalifa to undergo surgery after hockey puck smashes into breast

Buy tickets for The Chainsmokers show in Byblos before all seats are sold out

Filipino actress Lotlot de Leon engaged to Lebanese businessman

WATCH: Highlights from Shakira’s performance in Lebanon!

Shark Tank star Kevin O’Leary: Lebanese heritage influenced my career

Lebanese porn star Mia Khalifa sparks controversy in Lebanon

Lebanese family become billionaires by opening Zara stores

See incredible photos inside the Mikati family mega-yacht

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