Karam remained interested in music and in 1985 she participated, against her father's wishes, in a television singing competition called ""Layali Lubnan"" (Lebanese Nights). Showcasing her powerful vocals through the traditional Lebanese Mawwal, Karam won the first place Gold Medal along with modest public exposure and her father's approval. Following her success, Karam studied at the Lebanese Institute of Music for four years, where she was mentored by renowned Lebanese composers, Zaki Nasif and Fouad Awad. In 1987, she participated in another television contest named "Laylat Haz", where she gained greater exposure that would prepare her for her first attempt at breaking into the Arabic music industry in 1989.