It isn’t always that an American superstar goes beyond the beloved and international English language to transmit a message of love and unity. When it does happen, though, Arabic isn’t necessarily the first option that comes to mind.
Kelly Clarkson, winner of the inaugural season of American Idol in 2002 and many international awards, has released her newest single in hopes of bringing people closer. I Dare You comes to fans and listeners in five languages, including Arabic, German, and French.
“This is my favorite/hardest project that I’ve ever worked on,” Clarkson said in a statement.
During times of pandemic and social distancing, I Dare You sheds light on community and helping one another, especially that it’s trying to reach as many people as possible with its multilingual release.
“It has always been a dream of mine, as I grew up singing in different languages, to find that perfect song, with the perfect message, to connect us all globally and then record that song with several other artists around the world in their native languages,” the Grammy-award singer continued.
The Because of You singer collaborated with 19-year-old Faouzia, who’s been featured on French DJ David Guetta’s album 7 on a song called Battle, for the Arabic version of the single.
Born in Casablanca, Morocco, Faouzia was raised in Canada yet has managed to keep her roots close to her heart and music. The young artist was first picked up by record labels and fans when she started uploading song covers on YouTube in 2013.
Seven years later and 68 million views on YouTube so far, the Moroccan-Canadian artist has grown a crazy following across the globe, and for good reason. The 19-year-old’s voice is powerful and unique, making it instantaneously recognizable.
It is no surprise – though the shock in people’s online reactions proves otherwise – that Kelly Clarkson went for a duet with Faouzia.
The latter is fluent in Arabic, English, and French… and that’s food for thought in case Clarkson or other artists ever need a bilingual – even trilingual – push on their albums.
Fans, Arab and non-Arab, are melting in their spot over I Dare You and are praising Clarkson for singing in Arabic.