She may have not won the Arabs Got Talent, but Jennifer Grout has left a lasting impression.
The 23-year-old from Massachusetts made global headlines by progressing to the finals of the competition and even making it to the top three, with a string of pitch-perfect renditions of classical Arabic songs - without knowing speaking a word of the language.
Her debut performance on the show back in September has become Arabs Got Talent's Susan Boyle moment with her rendition of an Umm Kalthoum song on the oud, leaving the judging panel stunned.
An opera student, Grout was attracted to Arab music courtesy of the Lebanese songstress Fairuz.
"It was haunting and I just loved the way she sounded," she recalls ed. "I really wanted to hear more of it and I started seeking it out."
Her fascination with Arab music led her to study the oud and, after the college, move to Morocco.
It was a friend who suggested that she should audition for Arabs Got Talent.
Speaking after the final, Grout had nothing but satisfaction regarding for her journey.
"I learnt so much and I never expected to get this far," she said said. "To me, it is just such a privilege to be performing in front of all these people and the judges."
With Najwa Karam hailing her potential to bridge the gap between East and West, Grout said she is yet to figure her next move.
"I don't know yet," she said.
"I am now just enjoying these moments and later I will sit down and think of what to do next."
sasaeed@thenational.ae
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Some of Darwish's last words
"They see their tomorrows slipping out of their reach. And though it seems to them that everything outside this reality is heaven, yet they do not want to go to that heaven. They stay, because they are afflicted with hope." - Mahmoud Darwish, to attendees of the Palestine Festival of Literature, 2008
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Why your domicile status is important
Your UK residence status is assessed using the statutory residence test. While your residence status – ie where you live - is assessed every year, your domicile status is assessed over your lifetime.
Your domicile of origin generally comes from your parents and if your parents were not married, then it is decided by your father. Your domicile is generally the country your father considered his permanent home when you were born.
UK residents who have their permanent home ("domicile") outside the UK may not have to pay UK tax on foreign income. For example, they do not pay tax on foreign income or gains if they are less than £2,000 in the tax year and do not transfer that gain to a UK bank account.
A UK-domiciled person, however, is liable for UK tax on their worldwide income and gains when they are resident in the UK.
The Bio
Amal likes watching Japanese animation movies and Manga - her favourite is The Ancient Magus Bride
She is the eldest of 11 children, and has four brothers and six sisters.
Her dream is to meet with all of her friends online from around the world who supported her work throughout the years
Her favourite meal is pizza and stuffed vine leaves
She ams to improve her English and learn Japanese, which many animated programmes originate in
The bio
Who inspires you?
I am in awe of the remarkable women in the Arab region, both big and small, pushing boundaries and becoming role models for generations. Emily Nasrallah was a writer, journalist, teacher and women’s rights activist
How do you relax?
Yoga relaxes me and helps me relieve tension, especially now when we’re practically chained to laptops and desks. I enjoy learning more about music and the history of famous music bands and genres.
What is favourite book?
The Perks of Being a Wallflower - I think I've read it more than 7 times
What is your favourite Arabic film?
Hala2 Lawen (Translation: Where Do We Go Now?) by Nadine Labaki
What is favourite English film?
Mamma Mia
Best piece of advice to someone looking for a career at Google?
If you’re interested in a career at Google, deep dive into the different career paths and pinpoint the space you want to join. When you know your space, you’re likely to identify the skills you need to develop.
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