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

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The ninth episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired last night. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

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

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In yesterday’s episode, six more contestants took the stage, and five of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

  • Eliad Peretz (23): A singer, keyboardist, and music producer, Eliad is about to release an album. Although his musical roots are in oriental music, he is currently into pop-indie and R&B. For his audition, Eliad performed a song by Ofer Levy and impressed the judges with his unique vocal style. All the judges voted for him, and Eliad received a score of 86%.
  • Itai Paz (20): With roots from the United States, Itai draws inspiration from country music. For his audition, he performed “Knockin’ On Heaven’s Door” by Bob Dylan. His charisma was evident, and although the judges were impressed, Ran Danker refrained from voting due to doubts about Itai’s suitability for Eurovision. Ultimately, Itai received a score of 79%.
  • Noa Danai (28): Originally from New York, Noa traveled to Israel specifically for her audition. She sang “Russian Roulette” by Rihanna, but the judges had mixed opinions on her performance. Ran and Shiri were not convinced by her overly technical approach and lack of emotional depth, which led them to withhold their votes. Noa received a score of 74%.
  • Shaf Blaash (27): Having previously participated in “The Next Star” in 2019, Shaf returned with a powerful performance of “Shki’ot Adumot” by Eden Hason. His natural talent stood out, and his interpretation was praised by the original singer of the song, who was present on the panel. All the judges except Itay Levi voted for him, and Shaf received a score of 82%.
  • Noam Levy (27): A survivor of the tragic events of October 7, Noam uses music as a way to process the emotional aftermath of the incident. She performed “Hagoleh” by Dudu Tassa in an incredibly emotional rendition. The authenticity and purity of her performance resonated with the judges, who all voted for her. Noam received a score of 89%.

The next episode of HaKokhav Haba will be broadcast Tuesday night.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates on the Israeli selection process!

Source: euromix

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

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The eighth episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired tonight. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

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

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In tonight’s episode, six more contestants took the stage, and five of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

Noah Feynman

The 17-year-old Noah Feynman hails from Rishon LeZion. She says she has been singing and dancing for as long as she can remember. Coming from a musical family, her father, Uri Feinman, participated in Israel’s national selection for Eurovision in 1991 and 1992. Noah performed “Arcade” by Duncan Laurence, dividing the judges. While Assaf Amdursky and Ran Danker voted against her, Noah advanced to the next round with a score of 72%.

Ido Amador

The 26-year-old from Alcana is a violinist. He performed “Stone Cold” by Demi Lovato, starting softly on the piano but reaching impressive vocal heights. By the end, all the judges voted in favor, and Ido advanced to the next round with a remarkable 91%.

Shira Knop

Shira, 26, from Jerusalem, performed “Don’t Be Afraid at All” by Ninet Tayeb. She showcased a steady voice and great confidence. Although Shira failed to raise the wall, Essi Rotem pressed the “SAVE” button, giving her a ticket to the next round after initially receiving 64% of the votes.

Roy Berger

The 24-year-old from Jerusalem is a vocal coach and singer. Passionate about music from a young age, Roy aspires to make people dance with his tunes. He chose to sing “Cosmic Girl” by Jamiroquai. While the song didn’t immediately captivate the audience, he secured a spot in the next round with 87% and unanimous support from the judges.

Hamsa Band

Hamsa is a band from Israel that enjoyed success from 2000 to 2004. They previously attempted to reach the Eurovision stage, participating in the national final in 2001. After disbanding in 2004, they reunited with a new single and are ready to compete for the country’s representation. Performing “Rakdi” by Yishai Levy, they displayed strong on-stage chemistry. Despite Assaf voting against them, the band advanced to the next round with 74%.

The next episode of HaKokhav Haba will be broadcast tonight.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Israeli participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Basel!

Source: euromix.co.il

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

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The seventh episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired tonight. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

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

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In tonight’s episode, five contestants took the stage, and four of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

  • Debbie James (36): Debbie, the daughter of a famous 80’s movie actor, brings experience to the stage, having previously provided backing vocals for Enrique Iglesias. For her audition, Debbie performed “Ain’t Nobody” by Chaka Khan, showcasing her charisma. Despite her strong performance, Assaf Amdursky and Itay Levi did not vote for her, leaving Debbie with a score of 70%.
  • Udi Schneider (21): Udi made a bold impression with his performance of “Bad Romance” by Lady Gaga, capturing the attention of the judges with his energy. His performance was so powerful that all the judges voted for him, resulting in a score of 88%.
  • Roy Elbaz (20): A detective with the Israeli police, Roy Elbaz has a strong passion for music. For his audition, he performed a song by Bar Tzabary, delivering a confident and original interpretation. His performance impressed the judges, who praised his uniqueness. However, Assaf Amdursky did not vote for him and Roy received a score of 76%.
  • Natali Zafar (19): At just 19 years old, Natali Zafar is already a songwriter and composer. For her audition, she performed her original song “Hayti Lech,” which speaks about overcoming anxiety. Her heartfelt performance captivated all the judges, who voted in her favor. With an impressive score of 94%, Natali has proven herself to be one of the standout contestants of the season.

The next episode of HaKokhav Haba will be broadcast on Saturday evening.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates on the Israeli selection process!

Source: euromix

The truth about the Greek Orthodox Rum Valerie Hamaty’s heritage, who aims to represent Israel at Eurovision 2025

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In our previous article, we introduced Valerie Hamaty, the Arabic-speaking Christian Orthodox singer who made a strong impression on the latest episode of HaKokhav Haba. As one of the frontrunners, she’s vying to represent Israel at Eurovision 2025. In this article, we delve deeper into her heritage and explore what it means to be an Arabic-speaking Greek Orthodox in the Middle East.

The Inspiration Behind This Article

This article was inspired by a recent feature on the same topic by Tribune.gr. In our earlier coverage, we hesitated to delve into this aspect of the story (perhaps wrongly), as the topic of Israel remains a sensitive issue. Many react negatively to anything related to Israel without taking the time to read and understand the context.

The History of Arabic-Speaking Romioi

To understand what it means to be an Arabic-speaking Greek Orthodox in the Middle East and why they self-identify as “Rum” (Romioi), we must take a journey back through history.

After the 6th century A.D., when the region of today’s Middle East fell under Arab rule, the Greek language gradually disappeared. However, many inhabitants retained their Orthodox Christian faith and continued to identify as “Romans,” acknowledging the Eastern Roman Empire (today called the Byzantine Empire) as their homeland.

Ecclesiastically, these populations belong to the Patriarchate of Antioch, which was originally based in Antioch but is now headquartered in Damascus. Until the late 19th century, the Patriarchate of Antioch, like the Patriarchate of Jerusalem, was led by Greek Patriarchs. However, Russian intervention aimed at diminishing Greek influence led to the election of Arabic-speaking Patriarchs starting in 1899. Despite this shift, the Patriarchate retains its title as the “Greek Orthodox Patriarchate of Antioch,” and the Greek flag still flies at its headquarters in Damascus.

The Romioi of the Middle East

The spotlight on the Romioi community reignited after a recent devastating earthquake in Antioch, Turkey, which brought attention to their centuries-old presence in the region. Although they speak Arabic, they identify as Romioi, and many have migrated to Istanbul in recent decades. Their children attend Greek schools in the city, helping to sustain the minority tradition. Today, the number of Arabic-speaking students in these schools is nearly equal to that of Greek-speaking students.

Arabic-speaking Orthodox Christians primarily live in Lebanon, Syria, Israel, and Antioch, with smaller populations in the Palestinian Territories and Jordan. However, wars and emigration have significantly reduced their numbers.

Valerie Hamaty: A Romia for Eurovision 2025?

Valerie Hamaty, 25, an Arabic-speaking Christian Orthodox artist, recently captivated audiences on HaKokhav Haba, the talent show that determines Israel’s Eurovision representative. This is her second attempt at the show; in 2022, she finished as the runner-up. Besides her singing talent, she has also made a name for herself as an actress.

The possibility of Valerie representing Israel at Eurovision 2025 is highly symbolic. It highlights the multicultural fabric of Israeli society and serves as a powerful message of unity in a region fraught with political and religious divisions.

Her Main Rival

Yuval Raphael, a survivor of the October 7 Hamas attack, is seen as Valerie’s main competitor. Yuval survived the massacre at the Nova Festival by pretending to be dead for hours.

Local media and Eurovision fans in Israel suggest that these two talented artists will likely compete head-to-head for the ticket to Basel. Both carry significant symbolic weight, making the final decision highly anticipated.

A Competition Beyond Music

The developments in HaKokhav Haba promise to be exciting, as this selection process once again proves that Eurovision is more than just a music contest.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the latest updates!

Israel: The public service status of KAN and the country’s participation in Eurovision at risk

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The bill introduced by Communications Minister Shlomo Karai and Member of Knesset Tali Gottlieb aims to cut funding for Israel’s Public Broadcasting Corporation (KAN) from the state budget and transfer the management of television and radio to private hands. If the bill is approved, KAN will be sold to private entities and could be shut down by 2025, which could have serious consequences for Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest.

Reactions and Risks to Press Freedom

This proposal has sparked strong reactions from various groups, including legal institutions and human rights activists. Israeli Attorney General Gali Baharav-Miara has expressed concerns about the implications of this legislation, warning that it is a step that threatens press freedom and journalistic independence. She stated, “The proposal sends a serious message – broadcasts that do not align with the government’s agenda may lead to malicious actions against the media.”

The government, on the other hand, argues that transitioning the telecommunications and media sector to private hands will foster competition and reduce the waste of public funds. Shlomo Karai, the Communications Minister, claims that KAN has become an organization with controversial content and lacking the necessary oversight, which justifies its transfer to private ownership.

Implications for Israel’s Participation in Eurovision

If the proposed bill is passed and KAN is privatized, Israel may lose its right to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest from 2025 onwards. KAN is a member of the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which is responsible for organizing the contest. According to EBU regulations, a member must have an independent public broadcaster that meets strict criteria for providing quality, independent content, such as news and cultural programming. With the closure of KAN, Israel may no longer meet the EBU’s requirements and could be excluded from the competition.

While a privately managed channel can join the EBU, the requirements for television services from private companies are stricter, demanding the adherence to high ethical standards and the provision of a variety of programming for the public. These requirements may be difficult to meet by existing private channels in Israel.

Support for and Reactions to KAN

On the other hand, KAN has been an important pillar for democracy in Israel, with many of its media outlets offering independent and objective content. The debate over transferring its management to private hands has raised concerns about journalistic independence and the impact such changes could have on the quality of information in Israeli society.

The government and its supporters argue that this change will enhance competitiveness and media freedom, while opponents warn of the risk of media manipulation and the weakening of democratic values in Israel.

EBU’s Response

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU) has expressed deep concern about the Israeli government’s push to pass legislation that could result in the closure of its Israeli member, KAN, and the shutdown of the country’s public service broadcasting. The bill aims to privatize the Israeli Public Broadcasting Institute by ending public funding and seeking a private buyer. If no buyer is found for its TV and radio networks, the public broadcaster could be shut down within two years.

EBU Director General Noel Curran said: “Public service broadcasting in Israel is under sustained political attack, facing threats that not only jeopardize its independence but also its very existence in the future.” Curran noted that the EBU shares the concerns of the Israeli Attorney General’s office, considering this political response from the government might be linked to KAN’s content. He said that the government either wants to take full control or shut down the broadcaster altogether.

Israel’s public broadcaster has been a member of the EBU since 1957, and as a member, it has access to news, sports, and music content from the broad network of European public service broadcasters.

Conclusion

The new privatization law for the Israeli Public Broadcasting Institute brings with it significant political, social, and cultural consequences for Israel. Reactions are strong, with concerns about maintaining journalistic freedom and the country’s participation in important international events like Eurovision. Particularly concerning is the potential risk to Israel’s future participation in the Eurovision contest if the public broadcaster is privatized, which could threaten the country’s position in the competition after 2025.

Israel has officially registered for Eurovision 2025, with its representative to be selected through the talent show HaKokhav Haba.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all updates!

Source: Euromix, EBU

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

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The sixth episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired tonight. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

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

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In tonight’s episode, six contestants took the stage, and five of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

  • Noam Chen (16): At just 16 years old, Noam Chen is already showing a lot of promise with his musical talents. He plays both the ukulele and the guitar and has a strong passion for rock music. Noam performed “Don’t Look Back in Anger” by Oasis, and his natural charisma and confidence on stage really impressed the judges. With unanimous votes from all of them, he scored an impressive 88%.
  • Niv Dagan (17): Coming from a musical family, Niv Dagan gave a heartfelt performance of “When I Was Your Man” by Bruno Mars. Her vocals were spot-on, and although she earned praise from most of the judges, Assaf Amdursky had some doubts, mentioning he wasn’t sure if she was ready for the Eurovision stage just yet. Despite this, Niv still earned a solid 86%, with everyone except Assaf voting for her.
  • Noa Lesri (20): Noa Lesri performed “Chomot Chimar” by Margalit Tzanani, bringing a natural and sensual energy to the stage. While the studio audience wasn’t totally sold on her performance, the judges were fully on board, and they all gave her their support, resulting in a score of 84%.
  • Esther Avka (30): A news anchor and popular TikTok content creator, Esther Avka took the stage to show she’s not just about her online presence, but also a serious artist. Despite receiving a solid 84%, Esther didn’t win over Assaf Amdursky, who chose not to vote for her.
  • Yuval Gold (25): Yuval Gold, a singer, music producer, and guitarist, wowed the judges with an original song titled “Be Nice.” His performance stood out for its unique style, and the judges didn’t hesitate to give him the highest score of the night, 96%. Yuval’s originality and musical talent are definitely setting him apart as a strong contender in the competition.

The next episode of HaKokhav Haba will be broadcast on Tuesday evening.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates on the Israeli selection process!

Source: euromix

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

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The fifth episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired tonight. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

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

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In tonight’s episode, six contestants took the stage, and five of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

  • Elikir Keren (27): While serving in the military, Elikir Keren rediscovered his passion for music and decided to pursue his dream. Performing “Hagoral Haze,” his stage presence and charisma left a lasting impression on the judges. His powerful performance earned unanimous votes, resulting in an impressive score of 95%.
  • Harel Cohen (24): Working as a bartender, Harel Cohen took to the stage with an energetic rendition of “Lose Control“ by Teddy Swims. His performance brought life to the audience and received praise from most of the judges. However, Assaf Amdursky chose not to vote for him, and Harel finished with a score of 88%.
  • Uri Saban (21): Uri Saban has overcome personal challenges, including a diagnosis of stuttering, to find his true passion in singing, which allows him to express himself freely. Uri performed “Shirai Dika’on,” and his heartfelt rendition moved the judges. Despite Assaf Amdursky not voting for him, Uri received overwhelming support from the rest of the panel, finishing with a score of 86%.
  • Ofir Harosh (23): A multi-talented singer, model, and content creator, Ofir Harosh returned to “The Next Star” after previously competing in 2018, where she was eliminated early. This time, she performed “On My Own” by Nika Costa, showcasing her natural charisma and stage presence. Despite her strong performance, Shiri Maimon and Ran Danker chose not to vote for her, resulting in a score of 86%.
  • Valerie Hamati (25): One of the standout performers of the night, Valerie Hamati is no stranger to the spotlight. A runner-up on “The Next Star” in 2021 and a former participant on “Dancing with the Stars,” Valerie returned to the competition with her eyes set on representing Israel in Basel. Known for her Arab-Israeli heritage, she chose to perform “Sea Wind” by Ofer Levi, singing the chorus in Arabic. Adding an element of intrigue, Valerie performed wearing a mask to keep her identity concealed. Once she finished, the judges were stunned, and her true identity was revealed. Her powerful performance earned her a score of 93%, making her one of the favorites to win the coveted spot in Basel, displaying herself as a symbol of unity.

The next episode of HaKokhav Haba will be broadcast tomorrow evening.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates on the Israeli selection process!

Source: euromix

Israel: A Christian, Arab-Origin singer to represent the country at Eurovision 2025?

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Valerie Hamaty, a 25-year-old Arab-origin, Orthodox Christian singer, is rumored to be participating in the upcoming episode of HaKokhav Haba, the talent show through which Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025 will be selected.

For the second time, Valerie Hamaty will try her luck on HaKokhav Haba, after already making a significant mark in Israel’s music scene. In 2022, she secured second place, although that year Israel’s Eurovision representative was chosen through a different talent show, X Factor. In addition to her singing career, Hamaty has also built a notable path in acting.

The possibility of Valerie Hamaty, an Arab-origin Orthodox Christian singer, representing Israel at Eurovision 2025 is highly symbolic and impactful. If it happens, it will signal a strong indication of social and cultural unity in a region with deep political and religious divisions. Although of Arab descent, Hamaty is part of Israeli society and represents the multiculturalism that defines Israel, a factor that could prove particularly significant on such an international stage as Eurovision.

We will, of course, have to wait until tonight to see if the rumors are confirmed, and whether Valerie Hamaty is among the contestants. Her potential participation will undoubtedly spark new discussions, with the symbolic weight of her possible representation of Israel in Basel being more than evident.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

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

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The fourth episode of the highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025, HaKokhav Haba, aired last night. This competition, known in English as “The Next Star”, is the format used by Israel to choose its representative for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Since its debut in 2015, HaKokhav Haba has been the main selection method for Israel, excluding the years 2022 and 2023. The show has achieved significant success, notably securing Israel’s Eurovision victory with Netta in 2018.

Though filming for this season began on October 10 at Neve Ilan Studios, on November 10 the official broadcast commenced on Israeli television.

The Format

In the “HaKokhav Haba” format, each contestant performs a song, with the aim of securing at least a 70% approval rating. This score is determined by a combination of live audience votes from those attending the studio and a jury panel’s vote. Each member of the jury can contribute a maximum of 10% to the contestant’s total score.

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

With their combined experience, the panel ensures a high level of competition, which promises to be even more intense than last season’s edition.

Contestants and Their Performances

In tonight’s episode, five contestants took the stage, and four of them advanced to the next stage of the competition. Here’s a look at some of the standout performances:

  • Dolev Mendelbaum (16): Originally from Texas, USA, Dolev returned to Israel ten years ago and has been inspired by pop music ever since. Tonight, he performed “Jealous” by Labrinth, earning an 85% score from the judges. While his performance received unanimous support from the panel, it didn’t quite capture the audience’s attention in the studio.
  • Esther Guedj (27): After returning to Israel earlier this year from France, Esther chose to sing “Voila”, the French entry in Eurovision 2021 by Barbara Pravi. Although she struggled with some of the higher notes and seemed to mimic Pravi’s style, Esther still impressed the judges with her performance, earning a solid 86% score. However, Assaf Amdursky did not vote for her.
  • Nir Abdu (20): A professional singer who regularly performs at weddings and events, Nir performed “Nishba” by Haim Moshe, a well-known song in Israel with a Mediterranean flair. While his performance left mixed feelings among the judges, Nir received an 80% score. Once again, Assaf Amdursky chose not to vote for him.
  • Yuval Raphael: A survivor of the Nova festival on October 7, Yuval dedicated her emotional performance of “Anyone” by Demi Lovato to mental health issues, stemming from her own life-threatening experience. Despite not having professional performance experience, Yuval captivated the judges with her raw emotion, receiving the highest score of the season so far – an impressive 98%. Many are now speculating that Yuval could be Eden Golan’s successor.

The winner of HaKokhav Haba and therefore Israel’s representative in Eurovision 2024 was Eden Golan. Eden Golan performed her song “Hurricane“, finishing fifth overall.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the latest updates on the Israeli selection process!

Source: euromix.il

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

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The third episode of HaKokhav Haba (special edition), the talent show that will determine the artist representing Israel at Eurovision 2025, aired on Sunday night, November 17.

In this episode, we witnessed five auditions, with only four contestants advancing to the next round, continuing their quest for a ticket to Basel. Hosts of HaKokhav Haba are Assi Azar and Rotem Sela, who have held this role since 2014. The judging panel consists of Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Eden Hasson, Ran Dankar, and Keren Peles.

Contestants and Their Performances

Aviad Klein

At 25 years old, Aviad Klein has already composed songs for Eden Meiri, Yasmin Moalem, ShrekDiMC, and others. This marks his first appearance on stage as a singer. He performed Adele’s “When We Were Young,” showcasing impressive vocal abilities, earning an outstanding score of 96%.

Amit Sade

Amit Sade, a 23-year-old sales assistant, chose to sing “Scars to Your Beautiful” by Alessia Cara. Her rare voice resembles that of international pop-soul stars, garnering unanimous approval from the judges. Amit advanced to the next stage with a score of 96%.

Tamir Vaknin

Tamir Vaknin revealed that he had a troubled youth, struggling with anger issues and spending time in rehabilitation institutions. With experience performing on small stages such as nightclubs and parties, Tamir sang “Eir Nemal” by Eyal Golan. He scored 81% and progressed to the next round, although Assaf Amdorsky voted against him.

Red Band and Moran Aharoni

The Red Band is an Israeli puppet performance group founded in 2005 by Ari Pepper, Micah Doman, and Ami Weisel, blending unique music with comedy. Featuring puppet characters like Red Auerbach (vocals), Poncho (guitar), and Lefty (keyboards), the group has toured both nationally and internationally, performing rock and folk song covers.

They were joined by Moran Aharoni, a singer-songwriter who rose to prominence on the fourth season of Kohav Nold. He later participated in The Next Star for Eurovision 2020, reaching the semifinals. Known for his wide vocal range, Moran brings drama to their act, while Red Band adds rock and comedy. Together, they performed “Human” by Rag’n’Bone Man, scoring 82%. Despite advancing, they received a negative vote from Assaf Amdorsky.

More About HaKokhav Haba

The show continues with more auditions in the upcoming episodes. From 2015 to 2020, HaKokhav Haba successfully secured Israel’s spot in Eurovision’s grand final every year, with Netta winning the competition in 2018 with her song “Toy.”

Last year’s winner of HaKokhav Haba and Israel’s Eurovision 2024 representative, Eden Golan, placed fifth in the final rankings with her song “Hurricane.”

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Israeli participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Basel!