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

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The highly anticipated Israeli selection process for Eurovision 2025 began tonight with the premiere of the first episode of HaKokhav Haba 2024. 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, tonight marked the official broadcast of the first episode 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, 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:

  • Nati Livian (25): Performing “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” by Whitney Houston, Nati impressed the judges with his vocal abilities and received an outstanding 93% score.

  • KLÉR (22): Keller sang “Love On The Brain” by Rihanna. Her experience shone through, earning her a 96% score, and the judges noted her potential for Eurovision, comparing her to past Eurovision winner, Nemo.

  • Renana Boaziza (29): Renana performed “Finished” by Idan Amedi. Despite a solid performance, the judges questioned whether she was a good fit for Eurovision, and she scored 82%. Assaf Amdursky did not vote for her.

  • Ido Malka (26): Performing his original song “Psychopath”, Ido impressed the panel and received a 94% score, showing strong potential to represent Israel at Eurovision.

  • Daniel Weiss (29): Daniel dedicated his performance of “I’m a Guitar” by Benny Amdursky to the victims of the October 7th incident, as he tragically lost his parents in the Israeli-Hamas conflict. His emotional rendition earned him the highest score of the night—97%.

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: KAN’s independence in danger according to the EBU!

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In an unusual move, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) is responding to the Public Broadcasting Bill, which threatens KAN’s independence, potentially leading to Israel’s exclusion from the Eurovision Song Contest.

The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), responsible for the Eurovision Song Contest, has come out against a proposed bill that threatens to put Israel Public Broadcasting’s budget under state control. This move would effectively give the government the ability to step in and cut the company’s budget when it is not satisfied, which is currently impossible due to the company’s independence from government influence.

In a statement, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) commented:

“We are deeply concerned about the proposed legislation from the Israeli government that would allow them to change or cancel items in the public broadcaster’s budget, putting at risk the editorial and financial independence of public media. This development could be interpreted as an attempt by the Israeli government to exert greater direct control over KAN.”

The EBU calls for an immediate end to attempts by politicians to interfere with the company’s budget. Israel Public Radio commented in turn:

“The proposed bill is another attempt to harm the independence and existence of the public broadcasting corporation.”

Political Incentives and Economic Justifications

The bill was introduced by Avihai Boaron of the Likud party. The explanatory notes to the proposal state:

“The State of Israel is in the midst of the Swords of Iron war. In January 2024, the Governor of the Bank of Israel issued a press release stating that the total war expenses for 2023 to 2025 are expected to amount to about 220 billion new shekels. The government approved across-the-board cuts in all government ministry budgets to meet the commitments required due to the war.”

Despite this explanation, it’s hard not to take the company’s and the EBU’s statements into account. Communications Minister Shlomo Kar’i also opposes the company’s existence, at least in its current structure. He had previously stated:

“There is no place for public broadcasting that enjoys a public budget and harms competition.”

Consequences for Israel’s participation in Eurovision

If the independence of the public broadcaster is at stake, this situation could also jeopardize Israel’s ability to send an entry to Eurovision. If the government’s planned reform passes, Israel will stop sending an entry to the Eurovision contest like Russia, whose TV network independence was compromised, leading to its expulsion from the European Broadcasting Union.

Source: Euromix

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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No EBU member has expressed official resentment οver Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024!

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In a quiet but significant revelation, it is confirmed that there have been no official complaints from any member-broadcaster regarding Israel’s participation in the Eurovision Song Contest 2024. The statement was made by Bakel Walden, the current chair of the Eurovision Song Contest Reference Group, during an interview on the ESC Insight podcast.

Walden explained that the decision regarding Israel’s inclusion in Eurovision 2024 was straightforward, emphasizing that as long as a broadcaster follows the rules, they are eligible to participate. He clarified that despite some differing opinions on social media and from certain delegations, there was no formal objection from any EBU member:

It was very simple. They [KAN] are a member of EBU, and it has been expressed many times by the EBU that as long as you play by the rules, you are eligible to participate. That was the case for KAN, and they are eligible. There were obviously different opinions in social media, we’ve heard from delegations, etc., but at the end of the day, there was not one single member of the EBU who expressed any official resentment.

Russia vs. Israel: A Different Scenario

The comparison between Russia’s disqualification from the 2022 Eurovision Song Contest due to the invasion of Ukraine and Israel’s ongoing participation was inevitable. However, Walden stressed that the circumstances surrounding the two countries are fundamentally different. He pointed out that Russia’s exclusion was related to its state broadcaster engaging in propaganda that violated the values of the EBU, whereas Israel’s situation is distinct.

There’s a clear difference between a state broadcaster that is just following propaganda, which is not actually playing by the rules and values of the EBU.

KAN itself has been in a difficult situation, also with the Israeli government. There is a different situation in how they position themselves, but I absolutely acknowledge that me and the Reference Group have been very much aware that the difference hasn’t been clear and hasn’t been accepted by a lot of people.

Walden further acknowledged that the EBU had not communicated this distinction clearly or transparently in the past, and that this lack of clarity has contributed to confusion and controversy. He called this a “learning experience for the EBU and the Reference Group“.

Walden’s comments effectively put to rest rumors that certain broadcasters had expressed a desire to withdraw from Eurovision 2024 due to Israel’s participation before or during the contest. The decision reaffirms that as long as a broadcaster is a member of the EBU and adheres to the rules, they are welcome to take part in the competition.

Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!

Source: ESC Insight

Israel: HaKokhav Haba will premiere on November 10!

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HaKokhav Haba returns as the selection format for the Israeli artist who will represent the country in Eurovision 2025. “The Next Star“, as it translates in English, has been used to choose all Israeli contestants in the Eurovision Song Contest since 2015, with the exception of 2022 and 2023. It has delivered outstanding results, including a win with Netta in 2018.

While filming has started at Neve Ilan Studios since October 10, it is now announced that the new season will premiere on November 10, marking the official start of Israel’s journey to Eurovision 2025.

HaKokhav Haba 2024

Rotem Sela will return to host the show alongside Assi Azar, who also hosted the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Since the show’s first season in 2013, Azar has hosted HaKokhav Haba, while Rotem Sela took hosting duties in the second season and has done so ever since.

The judging panel will include:

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

Their combined vast and varied experience guarantees a competitive edition that is both intriguing and difficult—certainly more so than the one from last season.

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 news!

Source: euromix.il

Eden Golan’s Best Wishes to Marina Satti and Bambie Thug

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Shortly after her appearance at the United Nations headquarters and Central Park in New York, marking one year since the Hamas terrorist attack on Israel, Eden Golan gave an interesting interview to Hollywood Reporter. The Israeli singer spoke about her Eurovision experience, the overwhelming support she received during the televote, and shared her feelings about Marina Satti and Bambie Thug, who both showed hostility toward her in their own way during the competition.

As you will see in her response regarding Marina Satti and Bambie Thug, Eden Golan holds no grudges and wishes them the best. She expressed her desire to completely leave behind everything she experienced in Malmö.

“Good luck. I hope all their dreams come true. I pray. I pray for them. I pray for them to have a good life and be happy.”

Following the release of her new song and her performance of October Rain at the UN and Central Park, Eden remains in the U.S., where she is planning her next professional steps.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Hollywoodreporter

Israel: HaKokhav Haba will premiere in November!

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Back in July, it was confirmed that HaKokhav Haba will remain as the selection format for the Israeli artist who will represent the country in Eurovision 2025. This talent show has chosen all Israeli contestants since 2015, with the exception of 2022 and 2023. It has delivered outstanding results, including a win with Netta in 2018.

Moreover, new information about HaKokhav Haba’s eleventh season is revealed.

Filming has started

Filming for this year’s edition commenced at Neve Ilan Studios this morning, October 10, in front of a live audience. As a result, the search for Eden Golan’s successor will officially begin in November, when the new season premieres.

Judges and hosts

Rotem Sela will return to host the show alongside Assi Azar, who also hosted the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest. Since the show’s first season in 2013, Azar has hosted HaKokhav Haba, while Rotem Sela took hosting duties in the second season and has done so ever since.

The judging panel will include:

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

Their combined vast and varied experience guarantees a competitive edition that is both intriguing and difficult—certainly more so than the one from last season.

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 news!

Source: euromix.il

Eden Golan performed “October Rain” at the UN in a memorial ceremony for the victims of October 7th

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Israeli singer Eden Golan’s appearance at the United Nations on Monday, October 7, 2024, was a significant artistic and symbolic event as part of the memorial ceremony marking the one-year anniversary of the Hamas attack on Israel. Golan performed her song “October Rain,” which was initially written for Eurovision but was rejected by the EBU as being “too political,” forcing Israel’s public broadcaster to alter its lyrics.

The song references the tragic events of the attack and its impact on the victims and hostages. Lyrics like “Dancing in the storm” and “I’m still wet from this October rain” express both the grief and resilience in the face of destruction. Despite its disqualification from Eurovision, “October Rain” gained substantial symbolic value, especially when performed before the families of hostages and diplomats from around the world, emphasizing the need for justice and the return of the captives.

Golan’s presence at the UN highlighted her ongoing mission to use her art to support the victims and raise international awareness of the events that shook Israel.

You can watch Eden Golan’s performance at the UN headquarters in New York in the video below:

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Euromix

UN Invites Eden Golan to Perform ‘October Rain’ One Year After Hamas Terror Attack

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Former Israeli Eurovision representative Eden Golan is set to perform the song “October Rain” in New York, as an invited guest of the United Nations. This performance will take place on October 7, marking one year since the Hamas terrorist attacks on Israel. The song was initially intended to be Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2024 but was rejected by the EBU. Eden Golan and her team eventually modified the lyrics and changed the title to “Hurricane” to gain acceptance from the organizers and participate in the competition.

Golan, who placed fifth overall in Eurovision 2024 but secured second place in the televote with 323 points, will arrive at the UN with an Israeli delegation led by Foreign Minister Israel Katz.

The memorial event will reportedly include families of hostages still held by Hamas, as well as families of those who were killed on that dark Saturday a year ago. Attendees are expected to include US Ambassador to the UN, Linda Thomas-Greenfield, as well as ambassadors from other countries. Prominent figures from the Jewish community in the United States are also expected to participate.

The October 7 anniversary will also be observed at Israeli embassies worldwide. The Israeli Ministry of Foreign Affairs will organize memorial events to mark the anniversary of the massacre at embassies around the globe.

Golan first performed “October Rain” in May at Hostage Square in Tel Aviv, just six days after securing fifth place in Eurovision, during a large rally calling for the government to agree to a hostage deal.

“I wanted to sing ‘October Rain’ tonight. This is my prayer for everyone to come back home. I will not stop making our voice heard in Israel and worldwide until everyone returns home,” she stated.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Euromix

Israel: Eden Golan in the final of Dancing With The Stars in the dress she would wear at Eurovision

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Eden Golan appeared in the final of Dancing With The Stars on Wednesday night 4/9, in the dress she was originally going to wear in Eurovision 2024. For the first time, she even sang and danced a different version of Hurricane, for the needs of the dance show, proving that she is not only a very good singer, but also an excellent dancer.

This dress is a creation of Alon Livna, just like the dress she finally wore at Eurovision 2024. Eden Golan had earlier posted on her social media that it was too nice to never wear.

Initially it was written in Israeli media that the EBU was the one that forbade Eden to wear this dress, as there was symbolism in it. In particular, it is stated that the intersection between the ropes refers to the map of Israel and so the EBU asked the Israeli delegation to replace it.

But now Eden’s stylist, Itay Bezaleli, gives a different reason, which is perhaps even more believable. The country’s public broadcaster, KAN, thought it should wear a dress more in keeping with the mood of mourning in Israel, following the October 7 Hamas terror attack that left 1,200 people dead and abducted, another 250 as hostages. So Eden Golan had to wait until the finale of Dancing With The Stars to wear the dress in question and this creation would not go to waste.

Watch the video HERE

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Source: Euromix

Netta predicts the host city of Eurovision Song Contest 2025!

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With only a few hours left until the announcement of the host city for Eurovision 2025, there is a tradition that has been built up over the last few years, and we couldn’t miss out.

We’re talking about Eurovision 2018 winner, Netta. Fans of the contest are now relying on her, to know which city won’t host the Contest, having predicted it wrong every time.

It is now a tradition to wait for Netta’s decision on the respective host city. Netta’s previous (wrong) predictions were:

  • For 2019 she predicted Jerusalem, in the end the host city was Tel Aviv
  • For 2021 she predicted Amsterdam, in the end the host city was Rotterdam
  • For 2022 she predicted Rome, in the end the host city was Turin
  • For 2023 she predicted Manchester, in the end the host city was Liverpool
  • For 2024 she predicted Stockholm, in the end the host city was Malmö

This year, a day before the official announcement, Netta posted a video announcing her prediction:

@netta This time I’m getting it right #eurovision ♬ original sound – Netta Barzilai

The two candidate cities are Geneva and Basel. With Netta choosing Geneva, it’s only natural that the Contest will take place in Basel. There are only a few hours left until the announcement, and let’s see if Netta guesses wrong for the sixth time!

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Eurovision Song Contest 2025, in Switzerland!