Israel: Everything That Happened in the 24th Episode of HaKokhav Haba!

Yesterday, Thursday, January 2, the 24th episode of HaKokhav Haba was broadcast. This is the singing competition through which Israel will choose its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15, and 17, 2025.

The continuation of the HaKokhav Haba battle phase started with 12 artists. Yesterday’s mission was the third part of the “surprise duet” phase, in which the last four contestants had to sing a duet with a famous singer whose identity they did not know. The famous singers were revealed to the contestants during their performance.

Hosts and Judging Panel

Rotem Sela remains the host of the show, alongside Assi Azar, one of the hosts of Eurovision 2019. Azar has been a host since the first season of HaKokhav Haba in 2013, while Rotem Sela took over as host from the second season, a role she continues to hold today.

The judging panel includes:

  • Assaf Amdursky
  • Keren Peles
  • Shiri Maimon
  • Eden Hason
  • Ran Danker
  • Itay Levi
  • Nasrin Kadri

The Couples

Alma Mimun de Razon

Alma performed the song “Tamid Yachko Lech” by Leah Shabbat, accompanied by Eliana Tidhar and Lee Byrne. Her performance was described by the judges as emotional and harmonious, with her performance receiving warm applause and positive comments. Alma scored 96%.

Natalie Tsafar

Natalie performed the song “Atalef Iver” by Hanan Ben Ari, featuring singer Narkis. Her performance, although having a unique voice, was judged as inaccurate and lacking the necessary emotional peaks to express the song’s feelings. The judges noted that her performance did not convey the required emotional intensity, and she received 60%.

Moran Aharoni and Red Band

Moran Aharoni and Red Band performed the famous song “Chandelier” by Sia, with the participation of judge Shiri Maimon. Moran impressed with her strong and expressive voice. Their performance received positive comments from the judges, and they scored 75%.

Amit Sagie

Amit Sagie performed the song “My Lover Doesn’t See Me Anymore” by Omer Adam, featuring Orcoohen. His performance was described as emotional, with proper emotional depth and good vocal delivery. He scored 70%, and the judges agreed that his performance showed dedication and authenticity.

The Elimination of the Night

At the end of the night, the judges decided that Alma Mimun de Razon, Moran Aharoni with Red Band, and Amit Sagie would continue to the next round of the competition, while Natalie Tsafar’s journey ended here.

The winner of last year’s HaKokhav Haba and Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan, with her song “Hurricane,” finished in 5th place in the final ranking.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates regarding Eurovision 2025!

Source: euromix

Loreen wins #ESC250 again | Here are the detailed results of #ESC250 of 2024 by Songfestival.be!

Happy New Year everyone! The first article for 2025 could be no other but the results of the #ESC250 voting by Songfestival.be in collaboration and as presented via EFR12 Radio.

For the seventeenth year in a row, Songfestival.be conducted during November a poll, asking Eurofans to vote for their ten favourite Eurovision entries of all time. 2023, also, marks the first year that the results are announced via EFR12 Radio. Starting at 11:30 CET and for twelve hours straight, we had the chance to listen to what the Eurovision community considers as the all-time classics of the contest.

Hence, Loreen is the big winner of this year’s #ESC250 with her song “Euphoria“. Loreen represented Sweden in Eurovision 2012 with Euphoria and in 2023 with Tattoo which ended up in 2nd place.

The detailed results of #ESC250

  1.  Sweden 2012: Loreen – Euphoria (+2)
  2.  Sweden 2023: Loreen – Tattoo (=)
  3.  Finland 2023: Käärijä – Cha Cha Cha (-2)
  4.  Spain 2022: Chanel – SloMo (=)
  5. Netherlands 2024: Joost Klein – Europapa (NEW)
  6.  Croatia 2024: Baby Lasagna – Rim Tim Tagi Dim (NEW)
  7.  Switzerland 2024: Nemo – The Code (NEW)
  8.  Sweden 2022: Cornelia Jakobs – Hold Me Closer (-3)
  9. Greece 2024: Marina Satti– Zari (NEW)
  10.  Ukraine 2021: Go_A – Shum (-3)
  11. Ireland 2024: Bambie Thug – Doomsday Blue (NEW)
  12. Italy 2021: Måneskin – Zitti E Buoni (-6)
  13.  Cyprus 2018: Eleni Foureira – Fuego (-5)
  14.  Ukraine 2024: alyona alyona & Jerry Heil – Teresa & Maria (NEW)
  15.  France 2021: Barbara Pravi – Voilà (-6)
  16.  Netherlands 2019: Duncan Laurence – Arcade (-4)
  17.  Italy 2020: Diodato – Fai Rumore (-4)
  18.  Israel 2024: Eden Golan – Hurricane (NEW)
  19.  Ukraine 2016: Jamala – 1944 (-2)
  20.  Norway 2009: Alexander Rybak – Fairytale (-2)
  21.  Switzerland 2021: Gjon’s Tears – Tout L’Univers (-2)
  22.  Sweden 2014: Sanna Nielsen – Undo (+27)
  23.  Iceland 2019: Hatari – Hatrið mun sigra (-8)
  24.  Spain 2023: Blanca Paloma – EaΕa (-14)
  25.  Italy 2024: Angelina Mango – La Noia (NEW)
  26.  Netherlands 2022: S10 – De Diepte (=)
  27.  Slovenia 2023: – Joker Out – Carpe Diem (-16)
  28.  Italy 2019: Mahmood – Soldi (-6)
  29.  Serbia 2007: Marija Šerifović – Molitva (-4)
  30.  Serbia 2022: Konstrakta – In Corpore Sano (-10)
  31.  Sweden 2015: Måns Zelmerlöw – Heroes (+9)
  32.  Portugal 2022: MARO – saudade saudade (+2)
  33.  Latvia 2023: Sudden Lights – Aijā (-2)
  34.  Norway 2019: – KEiiNO – Spirit In The Sky (-20)
  35.  Greece 2005: Helena Paparizou – My Number One (-14)
  36. Norway 2024: Gåte – Ulveham (NEW)
  37.  Lithuania 2024: Silvester Belt – Luktelk (NEW)
  38.  Spain 2024: Nebulossa – Zorra (NEW)
  39.  Norway 1995: Secret Gardern – Nocturne (-15)
  40.  Spain 2012: Pastora Soler – Quédate Conmigo (-7)
  41.  Belgium 2015: Loïc Nottet – Rhythm Inside (-9)
  42.  Belgium 2017: Blanche – City Lights (-7)
  43.  Estonia 2015: Elina Born & Stig Rästa – Goodbye to Yesterday (1)
  44.  Portugal 2017: Salvador Sobral – Amar Pelos Dois (-5)
  45.  Spain 2003: Beth – Dime (-9)
  46.  Sweden 1974: ABBA – Waterloo (-3)
  47.  Portugal 2024: iolanda – Grito (ΝΕW)
  48.  Italy 2023: Marco Mengoni – Due Vite (-25)
  49.  Finland 2006: Lordi – Hard Rock Hallelujah (-12)
  50.  Estonia 2024: 5miinust & Puuluup – (nendest) narkootikumidest ei tea me (küll) midagi (NEW)
  51.  Italy 2015: Il Volo – Grande Amore (-21)
  52.  France 2024: Slimane – Mon Amour (NEW)
  53.  Finland 2021: Blind Channel – Dark Side (-25)
  54.  Slovenia 2024: Raiven – Veronika (NEW)
  55.  Norway 2023: Alessandra – Queen Of Kings (-39)
  56.  Austria 2023: Teya & Salena – Who The Hell Is Edgar? (-27)
  57.  Armenia 2023 Brunette – Future Lover (-12)
  58.  Ukraine 2007: Verka Serduchka – Dancing Lasha Tumbai (-20)
  59.  United Kingdom 2022: Sam Ryder – SPACE MAN (-18)
  60.  Türkiye 2003: Sertab Erener – Everyway That I Can (-3)
  61.  Greece 2001: Antique – (I Would) Die For You (-13)
  62.  Sweden 2024: Marcus & Martinus – Unforgettable (NEW)
  63.  Serbia 2023: Luke Black – Samo mi se spava (-8)
  64.  Austria 2014: Conchita Wurst – Rise Like A Phoenix (-20)
  65.  Australia 2016: Dami Im – Sound of Silence (-15)
  66.  Austria 2024: Kaleen – We Will Rave (NEW)
  67.  Israel 2023: Noa Kirel – Unicorn (-40)
  68.  Türkiye 2010: maNga – We Could Be the Same (-17)
  69.  Denmark 2013: Emmelie de Forest – Only Teardrops (-22)
  70.  Lithuania 2022: Monika Liu – Sentimentai (-6)
  71.  Greece 2022: Amanda Tenfjord – Die Together (-25)
  72.  Russia 2016: Sergey Lazarev – You are the Only One (-20)
  73. Serbia and Montenegro 2004: Željko Joksimović – Lane moje (-12)
  74.  Hungary 2018: AWS – Viszlát Nyár (-9)
  75. Iceland 2020: Daði Freyr – Think About Things (-21)
  76.  Türkiye 1997: Ethnic & Sebnem Paker – Dinle (-4)
  77.  Bosnia 2006: Hari Mata Hari – Lejla (-10)
  78.  Türkiye 2009: Hadise – Düm Tek Tek (+1)
  79.  Ukraine 2022: Kalush Orchestra – Stefania (-16)
  80.  Spain 1995: Anabel Conde – Vuelve conmigo (-22)
  81.  United Kingdom 1996: Gina G – Ooh Aah… Just a Little Bit (+16)
  82.  Switzerland 2020: Gjon’s Tears – Répondez-moi (-14)
  83.  Italy 2022: Mahmood & BLANCO – Brividi (-21)
  84.  Croatia 2011: Daria – Celebrate (-10)
  85.  Latvia 2015 Aminata – Love Injected (-29)
  86.  Norway 2013: Margaret Berger – I Feed You My Love (-9)
  87.  Spain 2014: Ruth Lorenzo – Dancing In The Rain (-9)
  88.  Estonia 2023 ALIKA – Bridges (-19)
  89. Armenia 2024: Ladaniva – Jako (NEW)
  90.  Croatia 1999: Doris Dragovic – Marija Magdalena (+9)
  91. Bulgaria 2020: Victoria – Tears Getting Sober (-16)
  92.  Germany 2010 Lena – Satellite (-22)
  93.  Norway 2015 Mørland & Debra Scarlett – A Monster Like Me (-20)
  94.  Belgium 2024: Mustii – Before the Party’s Over (NEW)
  95.  Cyprus 2021 Elena Tsagrinou – El Diablo (-63)
  96.  Estonia 2009 Urban Symphony – Rändajad (-25)
  97. Netherlands 2014: The Common Linnets – Calm After The Storm (-5)
  98.  Sweden 2011: – Eric Saade – Popular (+14)
  99.  Slovenia 2019: Zala Kralj & Gašper Šantl – Sebi (-11)
  100.  France 2023 La Zarra – Evidemment (-47)
  101.  Switzerland 1988: Céline Dion – Ne Partez Pas Sans Moi (-7)
  102.  Czechia 2023 Vesna – My Sister’s Crown (-43)
  103.  Italy 2017: Francesco Gabbani – Occidentali’s Karma ((-27)
  104.  Italy 2018: Ermal Meta & Fabrizio Moro – Non Mi Avete Fatto Niente (-21)
  105.  Cyprus 2012: Ivi Adamou – La La Love (-25)
  106.  Czechia 2022: We Are Domi – Lights Off (-19)
  107.  Luxembourg 1965: France Gall – Poupée De Cire, Poupée De Son (-16)
  108.  Czechia 2024: Aiko – Pedestal (NEW)
  109.  Portugal 2019: Conan Osiris – Telemóveis (-8)
  110.  Finland 2024: Windows95man – No Rules (NEW)
  111.  Spain 2004: Ramon – Para Llenarme de ti (+502)
  112.  Israel 2007: Shiri Maimon – HaSheket SheNish’ar (-6)
  113.  Ukraine 2004: Ruslana – Wild Dances (-24)
  114.  Bulgaria 2017: Kristian Kostov – Beautiful Mess (-11)
  115.  Greece 2008: Kalomira – Secret Combination (-29)
  116.  Luxembourg 1973: Anne Marie David – Tu Te Reconnaîtras (-32)
  117.  Slovakia 2010: Kristina – Horehronie (+100)
  118.  Serbia 2021: Hurricane – Loco Loco (-11))
  119.  Australia 2023 Voyager – Promise (-53)
  120.  Armenia 2016: Iveta Mukuchyan – LoveWave (-25)
  121. Georgia 2024: Nutsa Buzaladze – Firefighter (NEW)
  122. Yugoslavia 1990: Tajci – Hajde da Ludujemo (-9)
  123.  Israel 1983: Ofra Haza – Hi (-23)
  124. Malta 2024: Sarah Bonnici – Loop (NEW)
  125.  Ireland 1987: Johnny Logan – Hold Me Now (-9)
  126.  Türkiye 2008: Mor ve Ötesi – Deli (+3)
  127.  Israel 2018: Netta – Toy (-23)
  128.  North Macedonia 2012: Kaliopi – Crno I Belo (=)
  129.  Bulgaria 2016: Poli Genova – If Love Was A Crime (-44)
  130.  Greece 2013: Koza Mostra ft. Agathon Iakovidis – Alcohol is Free (-6)
  131.  Russia 2020: Little Big – Uno (-5)
  132.  Switzerland 2019: Luca Hänni – She Got Me (-30)
  133.  Serbia 2024: Teya Dora – Ramonda (NEW)
  134.  Cyprus 2022: Andromache – Ela (-52)
  135.  Italy 1992: Mia Martini – Rapsodia (-20)
  136. Montenegro 2015: Knez – Adio (+52)
  137.  Albania 2018: Eugent Bushpepa – Mall (-27)
  138.  San Marino 2021: Senhit ft Flo Rida – Adrenalina (-21)
  139.  Norway 2020: Ulrikke – Attention (-46)
  140.  France 1991: Amina – Le Dernier qui a parlé (-35)
  141. Poland 1995: Justyna – Sama (+129)
  142.  France 2022: Alvan & Ahez – Fulenn (+30)
  143.  Sweden 1991: Carola – Fångad av en stormvind (+30)
  144.  Monaco 2006: Severine Ferrer – La Coco Dance (+819)
  145. Cyprus 2024: Silia Kapsis – Liar (NEW)
  146.  France 2009: Patricia Kaas – Et s’il fallait le Faire (+11)
  147.  Israel 1998: Dana International – Diva (-8)
  148.  Serbia 2017: Tijana Bogicevic – In Too Deep (+574)
  149.  Spain 1973: Mocedades – Eres Tú (-68)
  150.  Iceland 2009: – Yohanna – Is It True (-42)
  151.  Bulgaria 2021: Equinox – Bones (-18)
  152.  Sweden 2006: Carola – Invincible (+55)
  153.  Italy 1997: Jalisse – Fiumi di parole (-12)
  154.  Denmark 1963: Grethe & Jørgen Ingmann – Dansevise (+25)
  155.  United Kingdom 1997: Katrina & the Waves – Love Shine a Light (-46)
  156.  Russia 2021: Manizha – Russian Woman (+9)
  157.  Sweden 2004: Lena Philipsson – It Hurts (+20)
  158.  Poland 2022: Ochman – River (-37)
  159.  Iceland 1997: Paul Oscar – Minn Hinsti Dans (+74)
  160.  Spain 1990: Azucar Moreno – Bandido (-18)
  161.  Cyprus 1997 – Hara & Andreas Konstantinou – Mana Mou (+212)
  162. Serbia 2013: Moje 3 – Ljubav Je Svuda (+388)
  163.  Lithuania 2020: The Roop – On Fire (-41)
  164.  Hungary 2017: Joci Pápai – Origo (+51)
  165. San Marino 2024: Megara – 11:11 (NEW)
  166.  Croatia 1998: Danijela – Neka Mi Ne Svane (-6)
  167.  Italy 2013: Marco Mengoni – L’Essenziale (-49)
  168.  Sweden 2018: Benjamin Ingrosso – Dance You Off (+52)
  169.  Albania 2022: Ronela Hajati – Sekret (-49)
  170.  Ireland 1993: Niamh Kavanagh – In Your Eyes (-51)
  171.  Latvia 2000: Brainstorm – My Star (+7)
  172.  Georgia 2007: Sopho – Visionary Dream (-28)
  173.  Serbia 2012: Željko Joksimović – Nije Ljubav Stvar (-30)
  174.  Sweden 2008: Charlotte Perelli – Hero (+35)
  175.  Bulgaria 2021: Victoria – Growing Up is Getting Old (-40)
  176.  Georgia 2016: Nika Kocharov & Young Georgian Lolitaz – Midnight Gold (+20)
  177.  Iceland 2021: Daði Freyr – 10 years (-28)
  178.  Portugal 2018: Claudia Pascoal – O Jardim (-47)
  179.  Armenia 2008: Sirusho – Qele qele (-39)
  180. Spain 2015: Edurne – Amanecer (+76)
  181.  Azerbaijan 2009: AySel and Arash – Always (-56)
  182.  Montenegro 2013: Who See – Igranka (+36)
  183.  Finland 2017: Norma John – Blackbird (+18)
  184.  Slovenia 2001: Nuša Derenda – Energy (-30)
  185.  Albania 2017: Lindita – World (+135)
  186.  Australia 2019: Kate Miller-Heidke – Zero Gravity (-28)
  187.  Portugal 2023: Mimicat – Ai Coração(-55)
  188.  Albania 2012: Rona Nishliu – Suus (-35)
  189.  Albania 2019: Jonida Maliqi – Ktheju tokës (-41)
  190.  Serbia 2008: Jelena Tomasevic – Oro (-190)
  191.  Norway 2013: Carl Espen – Silent Storm (-30)
  192.  Romania 2021: Roxen – Amnesia (-55)
  193.  Croatia 2023: Let3 – Mama ŠČ! (-31)
  194.  Ireland 1996: Eimear Quinn – The Voice (-60)
  195.  Armenia 2009: Inga & Anush – Jan Jan (-27)
  196.  United Kingdom 2023: Mae Muller – I Wrote A Song (-106)
  197.  Belgium 2023: Gustaph – Because of You (-99)
  198. Sweden 1983: Carola – Främling (+74)
  199.  France 1977: Marie Myriam – L’oiseau et l’enfant (-43)
  200.  Norway 2021: Subwoolfer – Give That Wolf a Banana (-64)
  201. Poland 2016: Michal Szpak – Color of Your Life (+62)
  202.  United Kingdom 2024: Olly Alexander – Dizzy (NEW)
  203.  Estonia 2018: Elina Nechayeva – La forza (-51)
  204.  Sweden 1999 – Charlotte Nilsson – Take Me To Your Heaven (50)
  205.  Malta 2021: Destiny Chukunyere – Je me casse (-29)
  206. Poland 2024: Luna – The Tower (NEW)
  207.  Cyprus 2019: Tamta – Replay (-32)
  208.  Ukraine 2020: Go_A – Solovey (-24)
  209.  Bulgaria 2007: Elitsa Todorova & Stoyan Yankulov – Water (-10)
  210.  Netherlands 2013: Anouk – Birds (-63)
  211.  United Kingdom 1998: Imaani – Where Are You Now (-61)
  212.  Russia 2007: Serebro – Song #1 (-42)
  213. Sweden 2010: Anna Bergendahl – This Is My Life (+97)
  214.  Italy 1984: Alice&Battiato – I treni di Tozeur (-55)
  215.  Albania 2015: Elhaida Dani – I’m Alive (-41)
  216.  Greece 1991: Sophia Vossou – I anixi (-53)
  217.  Germany 2013: Cascada – Glorious (-11)
  218.  Belgium 2003: Urban Trad – Sanomi (-15)
  219.  Ukraine 2018: Mélovin – Under the Ladder (-53)
  220.  Germany 1982: Nicole – Ein Bißchen Frieden (+37)
  221.  Greece 2021: Stefania – Last Dance (-110)
  222.  Iceland 1999: Selma – All Out Of Luck (-11)
  223.  Germany 2011: Lena – Taken by a Stranger (-51)
  224.  Russia 2003: Tatu – Ne Ver’, Ne Bojsia (+21)
  225. North Macedonia 2017: Jana Burceska – Dance Alone (-45)
  226.  United Kingdom 1993: Sonia – Better the Devil You Know (-75)
  227.  Russia 2000: Alsou – Solo (-35)
  228.  Luxembourg 2024: Tali – Fighter (NEW)
  229.  Norway 2021: TIX – Fallen Angel (-46)
  230.  Serbia 2019 Nevena Bozovic – Kruna (+100)
  231.  Belgium 1986: Sandra Kim – J’aime la vie (-40)
  232.  Azerbaijan 2021: Efendi – Mata Hari (-86)
  233.  Ukraine 2008: Ani Lorak – Shady Lady (-47)
  234.  Russia 2015: Polina Gagarina – A Million Voices (-9)
  235.  Greece 2004: Sakis Rouvas – Shake It (-80)
  236.  France 2016: Amir – J’ai Cherché (-39)
  237.  Moldova 2022: Zdob si Zdub and Advahov Brothers – Trenuletul (-110)
  238.  Lithuania 2023: Monika Linkytė – Stay (-53)
  239.  Denmark 2021: Fyr og Flamme – Øve Os På Hinanden (-39)
  240.  Moldova 2021: Natalia Gordienko – Sugar (-10)
  241.  Türkiye 1980: Ajda Pekkan – Petr’Oil (+394)
  242.  Germany 1979 : Dschinghis Khan – Dschinghis Khan (-1)
  243.  Belgium 2006: Kate Ryan – Je t’adore (-61)
  244.  Slovenia 2011: Maja Keuc – No One (-20)
  245.  Romania 2010: Paula Seling & Ovi – Playing With Fire (-55)
  246.  Portugal 2008: Vânia Fernandes – Senhora Do Mar (Negras Águas) (-6)
  247.  Italy 1990: Toto Cutugno – Insieme 1992 (-21)
  248.  Poland 2023: Blanka – Solo (-81)
  249.  Greece 2006: Anna Vissi – Everything (-80)
  250.  North Macedonia 2019: Tamara Todevska – Proud (-56)

The countries with the most appearances on #ESC250

A total of fifty-two countries have taken part at the Eurovision Song Contest during its almost seventy years run. In this year’s #ESC250 voting, some countries have stood out, such as:

  • Sweden: 16 entries
  • Italy: 14 entries
  • Norway – Spain: 11 entries

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest!

Source: songfestival.be

Eurovision Awards 2024: Results Announced!

In recent years, Eurovision.tv has been hosting its own annual Eurovision Awards. Voting took place via the official Eurovision Song Contest app and was open from December 6 to December 13.

The results for the following 12 categories are:

Artistic Vision

  • Bambie Thug
  • alyona alyona & Jerry Heil
  • Slimane
  • Nemo

Vocal Powerhouse

  • Nemo
  • Isaak
  • Gåte
  • iolanda

Miss Congeniality

  • Windows95man
  • Marcus & Martinus
  • Angelina Mango
  • Baby Lasagna

Onstage Ensemble

  • Μαρίνα Σάττι
  • 5MIINUST x Puuluup
  • Ladaniva
  • Nebulossa

Luscious Looks

  • Megara
  • Nebulossa
  • Teya Dora
  • Silvester Belt

Style Icon

  • Bambie Thug
  • Raiven
  • Mustii
  • Nemo

Choreo Monarch

  • Sarah Bonnici
  • Marcus & Martinus
  • Olly Alexander
  • Kaleen

Most Rizz

  • Window95man
  • Marcus & Martinus
  • Angelina Mango
  • Hera Björk

Total Slay

  • Silia Kapsis
  • Nutsa Buzaladze
  • Dons
  • Tali

Non-qualifying Show-stopper

  • Aiko
  • Saba
  • Electric Fields
  • Luna

Music Video

  • Nemo
  • Ladaniva
  • Eden Golan
  • Baby Lasagna

#ALBM Cover of the Year

  • Silvester Belt – “Rush” (Troye Sivan)
  • Natalia Barbu – “How Will I Know” (Whitney Houston)
  • Fagree & Ilkin Dovlatov – “Bəri Baz (Folk Song)
  • Besa – “Rrjedh Në Këngë E Ligjërime” (Vaçe Zela)

We are thrilled to announce that this year’s Greek representative, Marina Satti, and Cyprus’ representative, Silia Kapsis, won in their respective nominated categories.

You can watch the video with the results below:

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates!

Israel: The song for Eurovision 2025 to be selected by a professional committee!

Israel‘s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, to be performed by the winner of HaKokhav Haba, will be selected by a committee of professionals on behalf of the national broadcaster IPBC and Keshet 12. Song submissions will be open to distinguished artists who will receive an invitation from the committee of professionals.

IPBC and Keshet 12 have begun contacting 120 artists from all genres of Israeli music, selected by a professional committee, to propose songs to represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025 in Basel. The submission process will be open until February 2, 2025.

The IPBC stressed to the creators that the song for the Eurovision Song Contest can be in any language, but it must contain some sentences in Hebrew. An applicant creator will be allowed to submit a song alone or with other artists, but all but one of the creators must have Israeli citizenship.

The jury, which will consist of professionals from IPBC and Keshet, who have musical and television knowledge and experience, will then meet. The jury is expected to listen to the songs and select the most suitable one.

The selected song will be arranged, recorded and a video clip will be created in order to be presented in March 2025 in a special televised show.

The return of the “Hurricane” team

Two of the creators of this year’s Israeli entry “Hurricane”, performed by Eden Golan last May at Eurovision 2024, are set to participate in the song submission process for Eurovision 2025. These two members of the “Hurricane” team are Keren Peles and Avi Ohayon.

https://youtu.be/K60BWlEhtAA

The professional committee

The special professional committee will consist of 7 members:

  • The chairman of the committee – the director of the IPBC music stations.
  • Two representatives of the radio – music editors to be selected by the chairman of the committee.
  • Two representatives of the television – the director of the IPBC entertainment and culture department and one more representative to be selected by her.
  • Two representatives of Keshet.

The vote of each member of the committee will be in accordance with professional criteria, such as: the quality and originality of the lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the representative artist, the suitability of the song for the Eurovision Song Contest, the chances of the song succeeding in the Eurovision Song Contest, the suitability for representing the company as a public broadcaster, the overall impression the song leaves and other relevant criteria as decided by the jury. The proposed songs will be played and their lyrics will be presented to the committee anonymously, without revealing the identity of the song creators to the jury members. Creators participating in the selection process for the Israeli song will not be able to participate in writting/comppsing a song for another country for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

According to the regulations, if the committee does not find a suitable song, it may publish an invitation to the general public for additional songs, select a song that was publicly published after September 1, or select a song from other songs submitted to the company for participation in the Eurovision Song Contest between the years 2022-2024.

Sources: euromix / euromix

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Israel: Everything that happened in the 21st episode of HaKokhav Haba!

Yesterday, Saturday December 28, the 21st episode of HaKokhav Haba, the singing competition through which Israel will select its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, was broadcast.

With 15 artists participating, the continuation of the HaKokhav Haba duels phase began. Four pairs of contestants competed in this latest episode, where one of them was eliminated by the end of the competition process.

Hosts and Judges

In yesterday’s episode, the judging panel welcomed a new addition, the singer Nasrin Kadri. Rotem Sela continues to host the show alongside Assi Azar, who was one of the hosts of Eurovision 2019. Since the first season of HaKokhav Haba in 2013, Azar has been a host, while Rotem Sela joined from the second season and continues her role to this day.

The judging panel includes:

  • Assaf Amdursky
  • Keren Peles
  • Shiri Maimon
  • Eden Hason
  • Ran Danker
  • Itay Levi
  • Nasrin Kadri

The Pairs

Nathalie Zafar and Udi Schneider
Nathalie chose to perform “Total Eclipse of the Heart”. The judges gave mixed feedback, and she scored 85%. Udi performed “Shir HaBricha”, received positive votes from the judges, scored 91%, and advanced to the Top 14.

Red Band with Moran Aharonia and Valerie Hamati
Red Band and Moran Aharonia performed “One”. Their performance failed to impress the judges, earning a score of 67%. Valerie performed “Desert Rose”, impressed the judges, and advanced to the Top 14 with a score of 74%.

Amit Sadeh and Aviad Klein
Amit performed “Kach Oti” and scored 71%. Aviad performed “Iris”, but with only 56%, he was left in the elimination zone.

Alma Maimon de Razon and Yuval Gold
Alma performed “Yellow Brick Road” and scored only 55%. Yuval performed “LeOlam BeIkvot HaShemesh”, delighted the judges, scored 90%, and advanced to the Top 14.

The Elimination of the Night

The contestants at risk of elimination were Nathalie Zafar, Red Band and Moran Aharonia, Aviad Klein, and Alma Maimon de Razon. Ultimately, the judges decided that Aviad Klein’s journey ended here.

The previous winner of HaKokhav Haba and Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. With her song “Hurricane”, Eden Golan finished in fifth place in the final rankings.

 

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates regarding Eurovision 2025!

Source: euromix

 

Israel: The Orthodox Rum Valerie Hamaty shines on HaKokhav Haba with “October Rain”

Valerie Hamaty, an Arabic-speaking Orthodox Rum, has emerged as the favorite to represent Israel in Eurovision 2025. In the latest episode of HaKokhav Haba, the show through which Israel selects its Eurovision representative, Valerie performed October Rain, captivating both the audience and the judges, and earning an impressive 95% of the votes.

The contestants competed in duets during this episode of HaKokhav Haba. With less than a month left until the winner is crowned, Valerie Hamaty appears closer than ever to achieving her goal of representing Israel in Basel.

Valerie performed October Rain alongside Daniel Wais, whose parents tragically lost their lives on October 7, 2023, during the Hamas terrorist attack.

For more information about Valerie Hamaty and the Arabic-speaking Orthodox Rum community of the Middle East, check out our previous article.

Would you like to see Valerie Hamaty represent Israel at Eurovision 2025?

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Israel: All the highlights from the eighteenth episode of HaKokhav Haba!

Last Saturday, December 21, the 18th episode of HaKokhav Haba, the song contest through which Israel will select its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will take place in Basel, Switzerland, on May 13, 15 and 17, 2025, was broadcast.

The next phase of HaKokhav Haba began with 18 contestants, which is the duet phase. Five duets competed in this episode, where one of the contestants left the competition at the end of the competition process.

Hosts and Judging Panel

Returning to host the show are Rotem Sela and Assi Azar. Azar has been involved with HaKokhav Haba since its inaugural edition in 2013 and previously hosted the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Sela joined as a host in the second season and has been a presenter ever since.

The judging panel for this season includes a diverse group of music industry veterans:

    • Assaf Amdursky
    • Keren Peles
    • Shiri Maimon
    • Eden Hason
    • Ran Danker
    • Itay Levi

The duets

Keller and Nati Levian

Keller and Nati performed Rihanna’s “Stay.” All judges gave this first couple a positive vote, reaching 94%, thus setting the bar very high for the other four couples.

Udi Schneider and Yuval Gold

Udi and Yuval performed Osher Cohen’s “Love.” Two (Assaf and Itay) of the six judges voted against it, resulting in a score of 68%.

Red Band feat. Moran Aharonia and Amit Sadeh

Red Band and Moran Aharonia with Amit Sadeh performed “I See Red” by Everybody Loves An Outlaw. All members of the jury voted in favor, and this duet reached 91%.

Uri Saban and Ilai Avidani

Uri Saban and Ilai Avidani performed Moshe Peretz’s “Signs of Time.” Two (Assaf and Keren) voted against the duet’s performance, narrowing it down to 63%.

Valerie Hamati and Daniel Weiss

Valerie Hamati and Daniel Weiss performed Israel’s entry to the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, “Hurricane” by Eden Golan. All members of the jury voted in favor, and the pair reached 95%, securing their place in the next stage of the contest.

At the end of the competition, the duet of Uri Saban and Ilai Avidani had the lowest percentage, 63%, and the judges decided that Uri Saban’s journey ended here.

Last year’s winner of HaKokhav Haba and thus the country’s representative at Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan, with her song “Hurricane”, finished in fifth place in the final ranking.

Source: euromix

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Israel: The Response to Slovenia’s Request for Disqualification from Eurovision 2025

As it was revealed yesterday, the Slovenian public broadcaster RTVSLO has requested the disqualification of Israel from the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, which will be held in Basel, Switzerland, from the European Broadcasting Union (EBU).

The decision to request Israel’s disqualification from Eurovision was made during the last session of RTVSLO’s board of directors, held between December 9 and 11. The EBU has not yet responded to the Slovenian request but published the list of the 38 countries that will participate in the upcoming competition – including Israel – on December 12.

At this stage, no operational decision has been made in Slovenia, despite two additional proposals in case the EBU does not respond to the request: either Slovenia’s withdrawal from Eurovision 2025 or, contrary to competition rules, blacking out of the broadcast during Israel’s performance.

Israel’s Response

In response to Slovenia’s request, the Israeli public broadcaster referred to the words of lawyer Alon Galert in the Knesset’s Economic Committee earlier this week:

We are all familiar with the efforts made by anti-Semitic bodies and Palestinian actors to distance Israel from international institutions… The State of Israel fights against these attempts with all its might and invests tremendous efforts to prevent its removal from these international institutions. And now, the greatest slanderers of Israel in the world are about to get their way, not because they managed to convince the EBU to distance Israel but because we ourselves are about to cause our removal from an important international body with significant influence.

Anyone who thinks that this will end here is mistaken. The demand to distance Israel recurs and rises in many additional international bodies such as sports bodies, academic institutions, and cultural institutions… Israel’s removal from the EBU would be the first domino to create a domino effect and harm its membership in many additional bodies.

In any case, we are now awaiting the official response from the EBU and Slovenia’s reaction to the development of the issue, as the request for Israel’s disqualification from Eurovision 2025 remains open.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: euromix

Slovenia: RTVSLO demands Israel’s exclusion from Eurovision 2025!

Last week, RTV Slovenia’s coucnil meeting took place between December 9 and 11. Among the topics discussed, was of course the country’s participation in Eurovision 2025, as well as Israel’s participation, in question with the ongoing conflict in the Middle East. Read more

EBU concerned over privatization of Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), organizer of the Eurovision Song Contest, has sent a letter to lawmakers in Israel expressing “deep concern” about government plans to privatize the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (IPBC).

“Such a move would not only threaten the media landscape in Israel but could also have serious implications for the democratic foundations of the country and its international reputation,” the letter to the Knesset’s Economic Affairs Committee states.

The EBU emphasizes that “shutting down the IPBC, government intervention, or reducing its budget would represent a departure from the standards upheld by democratic nations worldwide and could undermine both domestic trust and international credibility.”

The letter further notes that the broadcaster’s participation in the EBU offers significant benefits to Israel. These include participation in major international events, such as the Eurovision Song Contest – which was the most successful television program in Israel last year – and securing broadcasting rights for significant sports events, including the FIFA World Cup 2026, ensuring free access for all Israeli citizens. Additionally, it highlights Kan’s contribution to showcasing Israeli culture, talent, and innovation on a global stage.

The EBU warns that privatizing the IPBC could jeopardize this relationship, likely leading to Kan’s exclusion from the Union and limiting Israelis’ access to key events and content.

The letter also recalls Kan’s vital role in covering the Hamas attack on October 7, 2023, which was widely distributed through the EBU’s international news network.

“Weakening or dismantling this institution could create a vacuum in reliable news dissemination, both domestically and internationally,” the EBU warns.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Source: Times of Israel