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It’s no secret Nancy Ajram has a roster of famous fans, but one of the most long-standing ones is none other than Grammy Award winner Billie Eilish, who has been quietly devoted to the Lebanese icon since she was a child.
In fact, in a new interview with Elle, the 24-year-old said the vocal melismas she wrote for “Wildflower” stemmed from a years-long obsession with Arabic music – and Ajram specifically.
“I’ve always been really inspired by Arabic singers – my dad and I have bonded over our love for Arabic music,” she told the magazine. “I freaking love Nancy Ajram. She’s one of my favourite singers.”
It’s a name-drop that carries real weight. Ajram isn’t just a regional star – she’s the undisputed Queen of Arab Pop, a title she’s held since the early 2000s when she redefined the sound and visual language of Arabic music entirely. Hits like “Akhasmak Ah” and “Badna Nwallea El Jaw” made her a household name across the Arab world, and stints as a judge on Arab Idol cemented her as a cultural institution.
But it appears Ajram shares a mutual love for Eilish, as she responded to the artist’s comments on Twitter, writing that her “talent and authenticity inspire so many around the world, including me”.
This actually isn’t the first time Eilish has expressed admiration for the Lebanese pop star. Back in May 2020, Eilish shared her admiration for Ajram on an episode of Me & Dad Radio – a show by Apple Music, which she was recording at the time with her father, Patrick O’Connell.
During the episode, she played a series of songs by the Arab artist, including “Fi Hagat” off the album Nancy 7
“This is Nancy Ajram who I love. love Nancy Ajram and this song,” she said, adding it is “a very special song to me that’s in Arabic”.
“The way Arabic music sounds is like melted chocolate in my ears,” Eilish also said of Ajram. “Not literally, but I love this song, and I love the melodies and I love the way she sings.”
Ajram’s revolutionary influence redefined the pop scene of the Arab world. She rose to fame in the early 2000s after beginning her career as a teenager in the ’90s. She’s since had multiple chart-topping albums.
As for Eilish, the now 24-year-old artist rose to fame as a teenager with her hit song “Ocean Eyes”. Since then, she’s earned multiple Grammys and reached major international fame.
This cultural crossover moment is proof that music transcends borders – and we love to see it.
