Carmen Soliman: I dedicate my award to the Egyptian people

Carmen Soliman has returned to Cairo after winning the first season of singing contest Arab Idol at a ceremony in Lebanon. The contest lasted for three months, seeing many young participants compete for the title while Carmen and her Moroccan competitor Donia Batma reached the finals. Carmen won the competition after receiving the highest number of votes. The singer dedicated her prize to the Egyptian people, saying she did not expect to win. She also thanked runner-up Donia, saying she had "great talent". She denied that her fellow finalist was upset with her, saying: "She was just tired after the show and all the pressure we've been through." Carmen has already signed a contract with Platinum Records to produce her first album. Her peers at the recording company include superstars like Mona Amrcha, Abdul Fath Grainy and others. The Arab Idol winner received a thunderous welcome from her fans at Cairo International Airport.