Carmen Suleiman to Arabstoday: I'm too young for marriage

Egyptian singer Carmen Suleiman, who won the first season of Arab Idol, has said she was astonished at reports that Emirati artist Abdullah Belkhair was going to come to Cairo early next month and propose to her. Carmen said in an exclusive interview to Arabstoday: "I don't even know Belkhair, or what he looks like. I've heard his name once when someone mentioned that his votes for me cost one million dollars...but I'm not sure if that's true." Carmen mocked the way the announcement was made saying: "Is it possible for someone to declare his intention to propose to a girl through the media without first seeking hers or her guardian's consent?! It's a very funny joke." She said the news was just rumours spread on the internet. When asked about her reaction in case the news proved to be true, she replied: "I am only 17 years old and marriage is not my priority." The young star is currently busy with her last year of high school so that she can join the Arabic music institute and become a professional singer. Carmen also said her close friendship with her fellow Arab Idol contestants has not been affected ny her success, and they're still in touch via phone or the internet. "I'm closest to [Moroccan contestant] Hassan Al-Kharbash and Dina Batma," said the star. The Arab Idol winner said her favourite singers were Angham, with whom she dreams of recording a duet, and Shereen, "whose voice is a reflection of Egyptian tenderness". Concerning rumours that she received many acting offers after she won the contest, Carmen said there were no such offers and she was not interested as she was "not a passionate actor". "I also have a deep sense that I will not be succesful in acting...so I don't want to get distracted from my singing," she said.