Surprise and fascination with the voice of Marylin Nooman appeared on the faces of The Voice France’s jurists. They were all listening to her with admiration and asking: “Who is this contestant? Where did she came from?” When she sang Serge Lama’s “Je Suis Malade” in Arabic lyrics, they knew she comes from an Arabian country, Lebanon. She used the Lebanese Arabic that spontaneously translated her emotions.
“I don’t know how I arrived there, the doors were opening one after another, and I took the chance to represent my country. I am proud of being Lebanese, and that’s why I wanted to perform a song that combines Arabic and western music to highlight my origins,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat about the experience that turned her into a famous singer overnight.
Marylin was aware that she was taking a new challenge in her life. She played roles in several dramas including “Till Death 3”, and in a film titled “The Land of Illusion” by Carlos Chahine. This new challenge urged her to plan her journey on her own.
“I collaborated with an Oud player who accompanied me on The Voice stage. Music stimulates a beautiful connection among people despite their differences. The song is well known, and speaks about pain. I used the Arabic language and eastern vocals to express my sadness over my country,” she said.
Marylin studied audiovisual arts at the Notre Dame University, and started her artistic journey from there.
“I studied vocalize and singing. Since I was a kid, I sing and perform. I have never been ashamed of expressing my love of Arabic music or my Arabic identity,” she said.
The jurists at the Voice France took some time before they turn and press on the button signaling her qualification to the second round.
“They told me that they were surprised and fascinated, trying to understand what I am doing. At first, they didn’t understand what is happening, and that’s why they took some time to press the buzzer,” she explained.
The faces of the jurists say it all, they were fascinated with her performance. “When I watched the video showing me before the jury, I was thrilled. On stage, I felt so emotional, but I kept signing. I was determined to show Lebanon’s cultural face and to say that this small country has exceptional talents,” she told Asharq Al-Awsat.
Marylin Nooman chose to join the team of the young French singer Vianney for the coming rounds of the program.
“He is famed for his emotional songs. I said to myself, with him, I would be able to perform songs that touch people’s hearts and call their interaction. The journey is long and I have to pass many rounds before the semifinals,” she said.
It wasn’t only her voice that lured the spectators, but a beautiful appearance with colored rings drawn on her arms, and freckles on her face.
“It is a mean to catch people’s attention, just like tattoos. As an actress and a singer, I can’t make tattoos that could affect the roles I might play. I chose those drawings and many others for my journey on the program because they reflect the simplicity and childhood that live in me. I didn’t want to make a regular appearance, so I chose one that reflects my honest personality,” she said.
Marylin is planning to live between Paris and Beirut during her participation in The Voice France.
“I am really connected to my country, and I promised myself to never leave it. This why I travel to France for the program’s training, and then, I return quickly to Lebanon,” she noted.
Marylin is also playing the role of Tala, daughter of Ward al-Khal (Karma) in “Till Death 3”.
“It’s a small role but I didn’t want to miss the opportunity, especially that the series has succeeded worldwide. I loved the shooting ambiances, and I was glad to meet Director Philip Asmar in person and work with him. He saw me in the drama “The Visit” and requested me for ‘Till Death 3’.”
About her character in “The Land of Illusion” film, she said: “It is the best role I played so far. The story is beautiful and takes us back to the 1950s. I play the role of '‘Leila’', a leading character that I hope people will love. It was an enjoyable experience,” she concluded.
