Paul Calvert spoke to Jacob Shaheen

Bethlehemite singer and musician Jacob Shaheen started his musical career at just five years old, later joining the Edward Saeed Conservatory, where he mastered the Oriental Oud. Jacob has participated in many Arab and International musical festivals as a professional Palestinian singer and in 2012 won the Palestinian national singing competition 'New Star', which follows the format of popular shows like American Idol and The X-Factor. Paul Calvert spoke to him about his experience on the show.

Paul: Have you always known you could sing?

Jacob: When I was five years old at school my teacher listened to me sing the Arab dream song. My family put me in a school to learn music called the Edward Saeed Conservatory. I study at the school. I like to sing many songs. I try to sing in French and Arabic and sometimes I like to sing Turkish songs.

Paul: Do you sing in the shower?

Jacob: Yes sure, (ha-ha)

Paul: Did you ever dream of winning a reality TV show?

Jacob: At first I didn't want to enter the programme, but my friends said to me, "You should enter this programme". Thanks to God that many people loved my voice, so I won in the programme. Inside of me I did believe I could win.

Paul: How far did this programme reach? Was it just the Palestinian Authority or did it go all over the Arab world?

Jacob: It went all over the Arab world, but in the Palestinian Authority the most people viewed it.

Paul: What was it like for you being a contestant?

Jacob: The people liked me from the first. When I enter the programme they give me a push and they see me on the street; they call me and we speak on Facebook and email. They give me a push, so for that reason every time I sing in the programme, thanks God, I win for the next step.

Paul: Did you feel like you were representing Bethlehem?

Jacob: Yes sure

Paul: What was the support like from Bethlehem?