The reward of goodness is nothing but goodness. (Quran 55:61)
July 2013
I remember walking the streets of Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine and Cairo, Egypt singing whatever song came to my mind. I remember that when people would hear me, they said "You have a very beautiful voice" or simply "Ma sha Allah". They would wear the warmest smiles on their faces. I smiled too knowing that the thing I love to do brought people joy.
"You truly made my day. You have a voice of an angel" a lady told me in Gaza City one day while walking in the street. I smiled and thanked her.
I always used to entertain my families in Palestine and Egypt with my singing. I would sing songs by Fairouz, Amr Diab, or Umm Kathoum. If one of my family members requested a certain song for me to sing, I would sing it with no problem if I knew it, which I almost always did. Once, my uncle Sayid said that I should call the adhan in Gaza City one day despite the fact that usually males only call the adhan. It is my dream to this day to call the adhan somewhere, whether it be Palestine or anywhere else in the world, in sha Allah.
I remember this as I walk down the hall with Cody Smith and my family to my audition for American Idol. My heart is pounding so hard that I can feel it thumping in my throat. I know that the camera is on Cody and I, so I don't show my nervousness as much.
We stop at the door that opens to the audition.
"Well, good luck, Alina. I'll see you when you come out" Cody smiles and pats my shoulder.
"Thank you, Cody" I smile. Cody opens the door for me. I walk in feeling very confident in myself, but so insecure at the same time. The moment I've been waiting for is finally here, but I feel like I'm dreaming. I've dreamt this about a thousand times. It feels like another one of those dreams. But no, I'm really here showing three huge celebrities my talent. Besides, this will be broadcasted to millions of Americans in January.
I stand in front of the three judges: Maria Gonzalez, James Robinson, and Sam Roads, Jr. I smile and say hello to them.
"Hello, sweetheart. What's your name and age?" Maria smiles and asks me.
"My name is Alina Kanaan and I am seventeen years old." I reply.
"Where are you from?" James asks me.
"I was born in Gaza City, Gaza, Palestine and lived there for a while. I also lived in Cairo, Egypt. I currently live in Santa Rosa, California." I explain.
"Wow, you've lived everywhere." Sam smiles.
"Yes, I have." I smile.
"What song will you be singing today?" Maria asks me.
"I will be singing Halo by Beyonce" I reply. They tell me to start, so I sing. I don't concentrate on their faces; I just concentrate on the way I’m singing.
After I’m finished, I look at the judges and see that all of their eyes and mouths are opened wide. It was either horrible or fantastic. My heart beats so loudly that I wonder if anyone could hear it.
“I am so amazed at how your voice is so amazing at a young age.” Sam says.
“Have you ever had singing lessons?” James asks me.
YOU ARE READING
Alina Kanaan
SpiritualCOVER BY: Meromada_Floweritta Alina was born in Palestine and has lived through some of the most intense and horrid wars in the country. At the age of 14, she and her family move to California for a new start. Since singing is her passion, she audit...
