Israeli Arab vocalist wins top spot in 'The Voice' singing competition

Nineteen-year-old Israeli Arab Lina Makhoul has won the second season of the Israeli version of "The Voice" — an international television franchise, which sets up accomplished musicians to work with aspiring singers to help them compete against each other.

Makhoul, a Christian Arab and resident of Acre, won an international recording contract as the winner of the second season of the show. Throughout the season, she was mentored by renowned Israeli singer Shlomi Shabat.

Channel 2, which aired the show, quoted Makhoul as saying that the public's response to her success ranged from racist to outpourings of love. "Thank you for listening, believing, influencing and putting the music first," said Makhoul. "The real victory is Shlomi Shabat's."

Throughout the entire season, Makhoul was considered a favorite for the top spot. She sang songs originally performed by a range of musicians, including Alicia Keys, Whitney Houston and revered Lebanese singer Fairouz.

In the show's finale, Makhoul, who sang Leonard Cohen's Hallelujah, bested Ethiopian-born soul singer Rudy Beinsin; Gan Yavne diva with a unique voice, Dana Tzalah; and teenage religious beauty Ofir Ben-Shitrit.