Just yesterday the EBU solemnly confirmed that Israel will be present at the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, with the song Hurricane by Eden Golan. The reference group of the competition approved the lyrics of the song, signed by Keren Pels, Avi Ohion and Stav Begar. Eden Golan heard the news over the phone and her reaction was, as expected, enthusiastic, making an appointment with everyone in Malmö. Read more
In an official announcement, the Israeli public television (KAN) informs us that Eden Golan’s new song entitled Hurricane has been approved by the EBU and therefore it is now official that it will compete normally in Eurovision 2024!
The song will be announced in a special show on Sunday, March 10 at 21.30 Greek time. Hurricane is signed by Keren Pels, Avi Ohion and Stav Begar and has the same melody as October Rain, which was rejected by the EBU, considering it to have political lyrics, since it referred to the events of the terrorist attack by Hamas last October in southern Israel.
While KAN initially stated that it did not intend to change the lyrics of the song and would therefore withdraw from the competition, the intervention of the country’s president seemed to be the catalyst. Isaac Hertzog urged KAN to make the necessary changes to the lyrics of the song, so that Israel would not miss out on this important international event, thus giving joy to the country’s opponents, who wish for its international isolation.
We await with interest the announcement of the Israeli participation.
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!
The selection committee of Israel Public Television (KAN) for Eurovision, chose to submit the song “Hurricane” for the contest. The song is based on the melody of ‘October Rain’ written by Keren Pels, Avi Ohion and Stav Begar.
The selection committee of the Israeli song for Eurovision 2024, met and chose to submit the song “Hurricane” to the EBU. The committee believes that the song will be approved and will normally compete in the second semi-final which will be held on May 9, in Malmö, Sweden. The song “Hurricane” is based on the melody of “October Rain”. Originally, the song’s lyrics alluded to the terrible carnage carried out by Hamas in Israel on October 7, but the EBU pulled the song due to the political nature of the lyrics. The new lyrics refer to a young woman coming out of a personal crisis.
The song was written by Stav Begar (from the writers and producers of “Toy”), Avi Ohion, and “The Next Star” judge – Keren Ples.
The news was revealed by Israel Hayom’s entertainment journalist – Eran Suissa, and comes after this morning KAN confirmed that it is taking all necessary steps to allow Israel to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
KAN contacted the creators of the two selected songs, “October Rain” which was selected in first place and the song “Dance Forever” which came in second place, and requested that the lyrics be adjusted, while maintaining full artistic freedom. The adjustments have already been made at the request of the company and the song was chosen from the new texts.
The above happened after the urging of the country’s president, Yitzhak Herzog, on public television, emphasizing the importance of Israel’s presence in this year’s Eurovision song contest.
On Sunday, March 10 at 20.30 cet, the song with which Eden Golan will participate in Eurovision 2024 will be revealed!
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!
Israel Public Television (KAN) continues its preparations on Israel’s entry into this year’s Eurovision Song Contest. The Israeli entry will be revealed on Sunday, March 10, at 21:30, with Eden Golan performing it for the first time.
In contrast to its earlier statements, Israel Radio and Television announced that it is taking all the required steps in order for Israel to compete in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest after the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) opted to reject the two songs that had placed first in the KAN internal selection on the grounds that the lyrics of the songs do not comply with the competition’s regulations and are of a political nature.
KAN followed the suggestions of Yitzhak Herzog, the country’s president, who spoke to the company’s board and requested that the song lyrics be changed to allow Israel to compete at the Eurovision Song Contest.
It is important for Israel to perform at Eurovision because it is a stage for hundreds of millions of viewers. Sometimes it’s better to be smart than right.
KAN officially announced the change in lyrics for the two songs via social media:
The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation has been working for the past few weeks to take the necessary steps to allow Israel to participate in this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
Despite its disagreement with the position of the EBU, which sought to exclude the two songs submitted by Israel to the Competition on the grounds that they were “political in nature”, KAN took the advice of the country’s president, Yitzhak Herzog, who turned to our board and asked for the necessary adjustments to be made, which will allow Israel to compete on the Eurovision stage.
The President of the country emphasized that at the very moment when our enemies seek to push for the boycott of Israel from every platform – Israel must raise its voice and hold its head high and raise its flag in every world forum, especially this year.
KAN contacted the creators of the two selected songs,“October Rain” which was selected in first place and the song “Dance Forever” which came in second place, and asked them to readjust the lyrics while maintaining full artistic freedom. Based on the new lyrics – KAN will select the song to be sent to the Eurovision supervisory committee to approve Israel’s participation in the Contest.
On Sunday March 10, at 21:30, KAN 11 will broadcast a special show in which the song sent to Eurovision will be revealed and performed by Eden Golan.
We remind you that “October Rain” was written by Stav Bager (from the creators and producers of “Toy”, Eurovision 2018), Avi Ohion, and Keren Pels, the judge of “The Next Star”. “Dance Forever” was written by Ron Beaton, Mai Safdia (“Unicorn”), and Yanon Yahal (“Golden Boy”, Unicorn).
The 37 participating countries of Eurovision 2024 must submit their entries to the EBU by March 11 in order for the competition’s reference group to approve them. This practically means that the EBU can reject the two songs again if it believes there is a political overtone in the lyrics, though based on recent developments, this does not appear likely. KAN states that all necessary measures will be taken to allow Israel to participate.
In its Eurovision 2024 participation, Israel has a strong ally, Germany. Through the country’s Minister of Culture, Germany declares that they support Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024.
Minister of Culture, Claudia Roth, in an interview with Spiegel mentions:
Jewish artists can no longer perform because the boycott prevents them.
Banning Israel because “October Rain” would convey political content is absurd. I heard the song and think it is very good.
As a dedicated fan of Eurovision for decades we should remember that Dana International supported a free, cosmopolitan and diverse Israel. People who today talk about Hamas as a supposed liberation movement obviously have no idea. It would be a scandal if Israel is excluded.
Hence, March 10 is the release date of Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2024.
Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!
According to sources at the Foreign Ministry, Israel’s alternative option for Eurovision has also been rejected by the European Broadcasting Union. This likely refers to “Dance Forever,” the second song that competed to represent Israel in Eurovision, as reported by Ynet, and was sent in advance for approval. Israel is still trying to find a solution, but those involved in the matter are not optimistic.
The second song sent to the European Broadcasting Union in advance is a collaboration involving Israeli representative Eden Golan, songwriter Ron Biton, musician Yanon Yahel, and singer Maya Spadia.
The Foreign Ministry confirmed to Ynet that the alternative option for Eurovision was rejected. The message was received last night (Tuesday), and it seemingly concerns the second song, “Dance Forever,” sent in advance to the European Broadcasting Union.
Since the exposure by Ynet about the European Broadcasting Union’s intention to disqualify “October Rain,” and the statement by KAN not to change the words or the song, many are trying to find a solution.
President Isaac Herzog stated that he is trying to assist, as well as the Foreign Ministry. Foreign Minister Yair Lapid, responding after Ynet’s revelation, said, “We are allowed to sing about what we have been through.”
The second song sent to the European Broadcasting Union in advance is the joint creation of Israeli representative Eden Golan, songwriter Ron Biton, musician Yanon Yahel, and singer Maya Spadia. It’s worth mentioning that both options reached the final stage of the professional committee’s deliberations – “October Rain” and the unselected second song, “Dance Forever.” Already on the day of Ynet’s exposure, the creators of the second song were informed that they would not participate in Eurovision this year, but since then, the cards have been shuffled.
Israel is still trying to find a solution with the European Broadcasting Union, but those involved in the matter say they are “pessimistic.”
The chorus of the second song, “Dance Forever,” which came to Ynet:
“Dance like an angel
You will remember
I will dance forever
I’ll dance again
Dance like an angel
Tell me the rhythm because my soul is still human
Hope doesn’t stop, it just spreads its wings
It’s like a million stars suddenly lighting up in the sky
(The hope doesn’t stop, it just spreads its wings
It’s like a million stars suddenly lighting up in the sky)
Heart on fire
I’m a fighter
Don’t stop the music
Turn it up louder
I spread out my wings
Flying through the sky
Hear violins
Angels don’t cry
They only sing
Still feel the ground
Beneath my feet
Oh dance like an angel
You will remember
That I will dance forever
I will dance again
Oh dance like an angel
Oh dance like an angel
You will remember
That we will dance forever
We will dance again
Oh
Dance like an angel (we will dance forever)”
Israel will be represented at Eurovision 2024 by Eden Golan, with a song to be announced in the coming weeks. The Israeli delegation this year will limit its appearances to a minimum for security reasons, even avoiding the parade on the turquoise carpet, one week before the competition.
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!
Despite the uncertainty regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024 due to the political undertone in the lyrics of its submitted entry “October Rain“, which is currently examined by the EBU, the preparations for Eurovision 2024 continue as usual.
According to Mako, the filming of Eden Golan’s entry for Eurovision 2024 will take place this Thursday, unless there are last minute changes in the plans of the Israeli delegation.
It is not clear whether the filming of the video clip will include the lyrics that are currently being examined by the EBU with the potential of being rejected or more versions will be filmed. However, considering the high costs of filming, in case the shooting does not get postponed following a potential statement by the EBU, the original lyrics will be included on the video.
The official reveal of Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2024 will be conducted via a special show on Israeli television, which is expected to air on March 11, the release date of the country’s entry.
During the show’s broadcast, the video clip of “October Rain” will be unveiled, along with Eden Golan’s first live performance of her entry. Moreover, Eden Golan will sing a cover of Noa Kirel’s “Unicorn“, the country’s entry in Eurovision 2023. The aforementioned performance was filmed today.
Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!
According to the statements of the President of Israel, Isaac Herzog, efforts are being made on his part for Israel to participate normally in Eurovision 2024, overcoming the problems that have been created with the lyrics of the song, KAN has chosen for its Eurovision entry.
President Isaac Herzog is trying to help resolve the dispute that has arisen between Israel’s public broadcaster and the EBU over the lyrics of the song chosen by the KAN committee for Eden Golan to compete in Eurovision 2024.
“I think it is important for Israel to appear at Eurovision and this is also a statement because there are haters who try to drive us out of every stage,” the president said at a conference in Jerusalem, according to Jewish media reports.
“Being smart isn’t just about being right,” he adds, implying that even if everyone in Israel thinks the lyrics of the song shouldn’t be changed, it’s more important to be smart and not be absent from the 68th Eurovision Song Contest, something that many around the world have been trying to achieve in various ways lately.
We remind you that the EBU, again according to reports, does not approve the lyrics of October Rain, considering that they contain political content. On the other hand, KAN has declared that it does not intend to change the lyrics of the song and that if the EBU does not approve it, it will withdraw from the competition. The intervention of the country’s first citizen brings a new twist to the case. We await the developments with interest.
October Rain lyrics:
The writers of history
Stand by me
Look into my eyes and you will see
People go but never say goodbye
Someone stole the moon tonight
Took my light
Everything is black and white
Who is the fool who told you?
That boys don’t cry
Hours and hours and flowers
Life is not a game for cowards
Why does time go crazy?
Every day I lose my mind
Clinging to this mysterious journey
Dancing up a storm
We have nothing to hide
Take me home
Leave the world behind
And I promise you never again
I’m still wet from the October rain
October rain
Live in fantasy
In ecstasy
Everything is meant to be
We will die, but love never will
Hours and hours and flowers
Life is not a game for cowards
Why does time go crazy?
Every day I lose my mind
Clinging to this mysterious journey
Dancing up a storm
We have nothing to hide
Take me home
And leave the world behind
And I promise you never again
I’m still wet from the October rain
October rain
October rain
(This part will be in Hebrew)
There is no air left to breathe
There is no place, I am not there day by day
They are all good kids, one by one
Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!
A few hours ago, the lyrics from Eden Golan’s Eurovision 2024 song has been revealed. According to a post on Twitter “October Rain” is mostly written in English, while the last lines are in Hebrew and go as following:
The writers of history
Stand by me
Look into my eyes and you will see
People go but never say goodbye
Someone stole the moon tonight
Took my light
Everything is black and white
Who is the fool who told you?
That boys don’t cry
Hours and hours and flowers
Life is not a game for cowards
Why does time go crazy?
Every day I lose my mind
Clinging to this mysterious journey
Dancing up a storm
We have nothing to hide
Take me home
Leave the world behind
And I promise you never again
I’m still wet from the October rain
October rain
Live in fantasy
In ecstasy
Everything is meant to be
We will die, but love never will
Hours and hours and flowers
Life is not a game for cowards
Why does time go crazy?
Every day I lose my mind
Clinging to this mysterious journey
Dancing up a storm
We have nothing to hide
Take me home
And leave the world behind
And I promise you never again
I’m still wet from the October rain
October rain
October rain
(Αυτό το κομμάτι είναι στα Εβραϊκά)
There is no air left to breathe
There is no place, I am not there day by day
They are all good kids, one by one
Based on the same source, the song is a powerful ballad and was chosen by the broadcaster to represent Israel in Eurovision 2024 despite its lyrics being in question, while the other song is a pop-dance. “October Rain’s” lyrics were really controversial in the minds of workers in KAN, with some of them to report that it feels like the broadcaster is willing to get kicked out by EBU. It is noted that in case of a potentional withdrawal, Israel has to pay as a fee around 70.000 euros.
EXCLUSIVE: Here are the lyrics of “October Rain” by Eden Golan
Our source revealed that the song is a powerful ballad, while the other submitted song was popish-dancy one. The broadcaster specifically wanted to pick October Rain, despite the other song being less problematic.… pic.twitter.com/0hUZtyzLiJ
— Eurovision Insider (@escinsiders) February 22, 2024
Source: Twitter/Eurovision Insider
According to Israeli media reports in recent days, KAN has decided on “October Rain” as the country’s Eurovision entry for 2024. Given the ongoing situation in the Gaza Strip, protests throughout Europe, and the contest’s regulations, KAN contacted the EBU to determine whether the song’s lyrics are considered political or not.
The song’s lyrics are currently being reviewed by the EBU, with the fear of being disqualified due to the political overtones, which can also be seen in the song’s title.
According to Israel Hayom, “October Rain” is mostly written in English, while the last lines are in Hebrew and go as following:
There’s no air left to breathe.
No place, no me from day to day.
Meanwhile, the song ends with this lyric:
They were all good children each one of them.
Not only the finale of the song can be considered political, but also several other lyrics, such as:
Evening. Everything is black and white. Who is the fool. Who told you boys don’t cry. Hours and hours and flowers. Life is not a game for the cowards…
While time goes by. Every day I’m losing my mind, Holding on
It is worth noticing that the world “Flowers” is used among IDF soldiers referring to fallen soldiers in battle.
Although, EBU has not made an official decision yet, KAN does not consider changing the song. According to Israeli, “October Rain” is not political, it simply expresses the feelings of the people and the country in these times. Withdrawing will be the only choice for Israel in case “October Rain” is disqualified.
Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!
After being examined by the European Broadcasting Union (EBU), ynet has learned from European sources that there is concern that the song sent to represent Israel in Eurovision 2024 may be disqualified due to what they claim are political statements. Following these messages, the board of KAN hastily convened and decided:
“We will not change the lyrics or the song, even if it means Israel will not participate in Eurovision this year.”
Israeli singer Eden Golan, who was supposed to perform the song “October’s Rain” at the Eurovision Song Contest in Malmo in May, was scheduled to unveil the song last week. However, the decision was postponed by the board for a few more days. ynet learned then that the reason for the delay stemmed from a request by the European Broadcasting Union to receive the song before its release, and to approve its lyrics to ensure there are no political messages. Sources familiar with the details told ynet that this was not an exceptional request for Israel and that it has been a clause in the Eurovision regulations for several years.
However, European sources have now told ynet that the EBU intends to disqualify the song. In response, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation has stood firm and clarified that it will not change the lyrics – whatever the cost. Following the messages from the EBU about the intention to disqualify the song, the board of the corporation hastily convened and decided,
“We will not change the lyrics or the song, even if it means Israel will not participate in Eurovision this year.”
In an official response to ynet’s revelation, the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation stated:
“The Israeli Broadcasting Corporation is in dialogue with the EBU regarding the song that will represent Israel in Eurovision.”
No response has been provided by the EBU at the time of reporting.
Against the backdrop of these developments, just a week ago, Eurovision organizers officially announced that they had once again postponed the requests to disqualify Israel from the competition, in contrast to the steps taken against Russia following its invasion of Ukraine in 2022. “Comparisons between war and conflict are complex, and as a non-political communication organization, this is not the place for us to make them,” said EBU CEO Noel Curran in an interview. He added that the association is aware of the voices calling for Israel’s disqualification but emphasized, “Eurovision is a musical event, not a political one; it’s not a competition between governments.”
As a reminder, the European Broadcasting Union has consistently shown that it does not take a political stance regarding the conflict with Hamas. Additionally, the EBU responded to Israel’s request to participate in the second semi-final of the competition, to be held in Malmo, due to the proximity to Holocaust Remembrance Day and Independence Day.
The controversy surrounding Israel’s entry in Eurovision 2024 underscores the delicate balance between music and politics in the iconic competition. While the European Broadcasting Union maintains that Eurovision is a musical event devoid of political undertones, tensions arise when lyrics are perceived to contain political messages. Israel’s steadfast refusal to alter the song’s lyrics, despite the risk of disqualification, highlights the importance placed on artistic integrity and freedom of expression.
As the dialogue between the Israeli Broadcasting Corporation and the EBU continues, the outcome remains uncertain, leaving Eurovision fans on edge as they await further developments.
Stay tuned to EurovisionFun for all the news!
Source: Ynet
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