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Israel: What happened on the fourth episode of HaKokhav Haba!

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Last night, Wednesday 06/12, the fourth episode of HaKokhav Haba (special edition) was broadcast, the talent show through which will emerge the next representative who will fly the flag of Israel in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.

Four more artists advanced to the next round of HaKokhav Haba, continuing to claim the ticket to Malmö. On the fourth episode we watched five audtions, however only four artists qualified to the next round. We remind you that the presenters of HaKokhav Haba are Assi Azar and Rotem Sela who have been in this position since 2014, while the members of the jury are Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar and Keren Pels with a new addition being Eden Hasson.

Mika Moshe

Although Mika is 16 years old, she is already known in Israel, having even released a song that became a big hit. She participated in the Music School talent show when she was a student. Mika confidently stood on stage, although she had several insecurities, which cost her votes. But he convinced the public in general and most of the judges and so with 79% she qualified for the next phase.

Noya Shram

The choice of the song divided the judges, who thought that such a show might not fit the mood of the day, with some taking her side and some others not. Despite this, 17-year-old Noya passed to the next phase with 70%.

Liran Ben Moshe

Liran is 21 years old, he was a soldier in the Israel Defense Forces and at the end of his service he decided he wanted to be a cook. He dedicated the song with which he participated to his sergeant who fell in the battle against the terrorist organization Hamas. Most reviewers were positive about it. With 75% he qualified for the next phase.

Oral Ravid

Oral is 16 years old, but as the judges commented, he has the confidence of a 70-year-old artist. The judges called Oral’s performance the best of today’s episode, although one of the judges didn’t give him a positive vote, thinking he might not be ready for Eurovision. With 87%, Oral passed to the next phase of the show.

HaKokhav Haba continues with more auditions in the next episode, which so far no one knows when this will be aired. Through HaKokhav HaBa, Israel managed to advance to the final of our favorite competition every year from 2015 to 2020, while in 2018 Netta was also the winner of Eurovision with the song “Toy”.

This year at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Israel was represented by the fiery Noa Kirel and the song “Unicorn” who gave the Middle Eastern country a third place in the Grand Final, collecting 362 points.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the updates around the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest!

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Israel: What happened in the second episode of HaKokhav Haba!

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Last night, Saturday 2/12, was broadcast the second episode of HaKokhav Haba (special edition), the talent show through which will emerge the next representative who will fly the flag of Israel in the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden.

Three more artists advanced to the next round of HaKokhav Haba, continuing to claim the ticket to Malmö. Two weeks after the airing of the first episode, and after much tension and emotion caused by the release of dozens of hostages by Hamas, on Saturday the organizers thought they could broadcast the second episode of the show.

In the second episode we watched four audtions, however only three artists qualified to the next round. We remind you that the presenters of HaKokhav Haba are Assi Azar and Rotem Sela who have been in this position since 2014, while the members of the jury are Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar and Keren Pels with a new addition being Eden Hasson.

Moriah

Moriah is 26 years old and comes from the southern settlements on the border with Gaza, where about 1,400 Israeli citizens were massacred by the Hamas terrorist strike. Moriah dances and sings but doesn’t have much stage experience. The judges were moved by her performance, as was the audience. With 96% of positive votes, she advanced to the next phase.

Yonathan Biton

Yonathan, 28 years old, sang with a group of six other people. Although he did not know that the winner of the show will represent Israel at Eurovision 2024, he happily accepted this invitation wanting to spread “light” in Europe. The judges thought that the covers he makes are very original and gave him their positive vote. With 86%, he also passed to the next round of the process.

Arik Sinai

Arik Sinai, 74 years old, is already a very successful and well-known artist in Israel. His success started in the 80s with many hits, while his career even extends to the USA! He is participating in HaKokhav Haba because he was approached by the production team who had already tried twice to make it with no success. At the end of his performance the judges stood up and gave him a standing ovation. He does not believe that age is an obstacle and will do his best to reach Malmö. With 90% of the votes, he advanced to the next phase.

HaKokhav Haba continues with more auditions in the next episode, which so far no one knows when this will be aired. Through HaKokhav HaBa, Israel managed to advance to the final of our favorite competition every year from 2015 to 2020, while in 2018 Netta was also the winner of Eurovision with the song “Toy”.

This year at Eurovision 2023 in Liverpool Israel was represented by the fiery Noa Kirel and the song “Unicorn” who gave the Middle Eastern country a third place in the Grand Final, collecting 362 points

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the updates around the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest!

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Eurovision 2024: Mass calls for boycott of Eurovision!

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The final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is just under six months away. After Loreen‘s victory with the song “Tattoo” last May, the competition will take place in Malmö.

Israel as part of Eurovision Song Contest

Israel has been a part of Eurovision since 1973 and has won the contest four times. They are not the only non-European country participating. Australia and Armenia are examples of recurring non-European participants. Countries such as Lebanon, Egypt and Jordan also have the opportunity to compete but have chosen not to do so. Non-European countries have the opportunity to participate due to their membership of the EBU.

Despite the fact that Belarus and Russia are located in Europe, they cannot participate in Eurovision today as they are excluded from the EBU.

Activists call for a boycott of Eurovision

Now, several campaigns are underway on social media calling for a boycott of Eurovision, due to the participation of Israel. Ida Helene Benonisen is a Norwegian activist who fights for the rights of the Sámi and LGBTQ people.

“I think there is a double standard in excluding Russia while allowing Israel to continue to participate in the competition, despite the fact that they are violating international law – something even the UN has pointed out. Europe should show that we do not support their actions.”

In a post that has received a quarter of a million views on Tiktok, she explains how member states can be urged to refrain from sending entries to the competition if Israel participates:

“During my time at the Norwegian MGP in the before Eurovision 2022, I realised that the member states’ threat not to participate if Russia was involved, played a crucial role in the decision to exclude Russia from the competition”

Controversies surrounding Israel’s participation in Eurovision

The last time Malmö hosted the music competition, in 2013, the chairman of the Left Party in Malmö wanted to ban Israel from participating. At the same time, the Israeli embassy appealed to the city of Malmö to increase security after the violent riots that occurred in 2009 in reaction to the tennis match between Israel and Sweden in Malmö. After the music competition, the Israeli delegates reported that they were subjected to anti-Semitic threats. In 2016, the Palestinian flag was banned from the music competition. In 2019, the Icelandic entry was fined after displaying a Palestinian banner during the competition in Tel Aviv, Israel.

What will happen in Malmö next May?

The EBU has still not given a final decision on which countries will participate in Malmö next year, but the plan right now is for Israel to participate as usual.

Karin Karlsson is the City of Malmö‘s overall project manager for the Eurovision Song Contest. She had the same role in 2013.

“In 2013, we took safety into account. But in 2024, it’s a much more complex security situation. It’s an issue we work on every day.”

Karin Karlsson emphasizes that it is not the City of Malmö that decides who can compete, but that all countries that compete are welcome to Malmö. At the same time, there should be room for democratic protests, if desired.

“There are many forces that want to create a nice folk festival here in Malmö. At the same time, we are a democracy and it is important to show that.”

The Eurovision Song Contest 2024 is organized in collaboration with the city of Malmö and will be broadcast from Malmö Arena on Tuesday 7 May (semi-final 1), Thursday 9 May (semi-final 2) and Saturday 11 May (final).

Source: Helsingborgs Dagblad

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Sweden: Security planning for Eurovision 2024 in Malmö intensified!

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As you’ve read on one of our articles last week, based on the increased terrorist threat level, the Swedish Police Authority had decided to ban bags at major events in Sweden.

Consequently, Malmö is currently evaluating the current situation caused by the ongoing Middle-East conflict and is discussing the ways of making the forthcoming Eurovision Song Contest as safe as possible.

Speaking to Sveriges Radio, Nils Norling, spokesperson for the police of Malmö mentioned:

“If we look at Malmö during the last month, we have seen a certain increase in hate crime. Daily we see manifestations, mostly pro-Palestinian. So we cannot exclude that people will try and carry out various manifestations.”

Up until now, the police of Malmö hasn’t identified any direct threats to the contest, but it goes without saying that the intelligence work will intensify as we are approaching to the contest.

Sveriges Radio also interviewed Karin Karlsson, who is the lead for organising the events of Malmö municipality. Karin reflected on one manifestation against the Israeli participation that was carried out back in 2013 and added:

“I think that we need to act preventively and keep in mind that more could happen than in 2013, and then follow the things the police tells us to do.”

Apart from the Eurovision Song Contest, the city of Malmö will host several events in public or outdoor spaces. But does this pose a threat according to Karlsson?

“We try to look at places where we are used to having good security and controls, so the places we want to use should feel safe.“

More safety specifications regarding the Eurovision Song Contest will be released within the following months.

The 68th Eurovision Song Contest will take place in Malmö, Sweden in 7, 9 and 11th of May 2024, after the second win of Loreen in Liverpool, with her song “Tattoo”:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the next year’s Eurovision Song Contest!

Source: Sveriges Radio

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Israel: Listen to “Deja Vu”, Noa Kirel’s second song for Eurovision 2023!

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Noa Kirel was able to give Israel its best placing since its victory back in 2018 with her impressive performance, however, the selection process went on for several months, until they found the song best suited for Noa.

As you were previously informed, the final decision was made between two songs. Of course “Unicorn” was the chosen one, and won third place in this year’s contest, but Noa Kirel’s second choice song was “Deja Vu”.

“Deja Vu” was compose by Jordi, Ron Beaton and Itay Shimoni with two versions being recorded, one in Hebrew and one in English. The one that is now released is the version in Hebrew, with the music video directed by Roman Buchatsky.

Listen to “Deja Vu” by Noa Kirel for Eurovision 2023, in the video below:

What do you think about Noa’s second song? Would it have better luck in the contest?

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

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Israel: The hosts and the jury members of The Next Star announced!

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Today the names of the hosts and the jury members of The Next Star, the show through which Israel is going to select their next representative at the 2024 Eurovision Song Contest in Malmö, Sweden, were announced.

The hosts of the show are going to be Assi Azar and Rotem Sela, who have done so since 2014. The member of the jury panel are Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar and Keren Pels, while Aden Hasson is the new addition.

The production of the upcoming series of The Next Star has already begun. Keshet 12, the broadcaster of the show, has already started the filming of the auditions process which will be aired in September, while the the live shows are expected to commence in November.

The Next Star returns as the Eurovision selection process after a hiatus of three years. It had been used from 2015 until 2020.

This year Israel was represented in 2023 Eurovision Song Contest in Liverpool by Noa Kirel and the song “Unicorn” who after an explosive performance, she managed to bring the Middle Eastern nation in the 3rd place of the Grand Final with a total of 362 points.

Stay tuned on EurovisionFun for all the latest news about your favourite contest!

Source: Euromix

Eurovision 2023: The first Dress Rehearsal of the Grand Final!

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Just a few minuts ago, the first dress rehearsal of the Grand Final, which is going to take place tomorrow night, took place. Eurovisionfun, was present in the M&S Bank Arena and is here to offer you a small glimpse of the rehearsals of the performances of tomorrow’s Grand Final.

🇫🇷 France – La Zarra – “Évidement”

🇨🇾Cyprus– Andrew Lambrou – “Break A Broken Heart”

🇪🇸Spain– Blanca Paloma – “EaEa” 

🇸🇪Sweden– Loreen – “Tattoo”

🇫🇮Finland – Käärijä – “Cha Cha Cha”

🇮🇱 Israel – Noa Kirel – “Unicorn”

What’s next today, is the Jury Rehearsal and as a matter of fact, it will be the first time in this year’s contest, that the jury vote will count, as in the semi-finals, it was the public alone that decided the result.

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Stay tuned at Eurovisionfun for all the latest developments regarding the the 67th Eurovision Song Contest, that is held in Liverpool!

Eurovision 2023: The First Dress Rehearsals of the First Semi-Final

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The First Dress rehearsals of the first semi-final have taken place just a moment ago and the emotions are increasing in Liverpool.

Please enjoy a few snippets of what we just watched during the first Dress Rehearsal of the First Semifinal of Eurovision 2023:

https://www.youtube.com/shorts/kkg2IYCzINw

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Y7UWucPFidw&ab_channel=Eurovisionfun

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=sxZjOnmr0-s&ab_channel=Eurovisionfun

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for more news about the Eurovision Song Contest 2023!

 

 

Israel: Watch Noa Kirel’s first live performance of “Unicorn”!

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What if Noa Kirel said that she is not going to perform “Unicorn” before Eurovision? A few hours ago she performed a little part of her song in a concert.

Noa was part of a concert for the Israeli Independence Day, wearing clothes in the colours of the flag of Israel, confusing many fans online, thinking that these are her clothes for Eurovision.

After an explosive show and the cheerings of her fans, Noa performed a small part of her song acapella! You can listen to it in the video below:

Noa Kirel with their song “Unicorn” hopes to bring her country back to the Grand Final and get a top 5 finish! As of now, Israel is placed 8th in the odds for winning the contest and third for qualifying to the final.

Israel is competing in number 9 of the running order of the First Semi-Final of Eurovision 2023, in May 9, 2023.

You can watch the reaction of the editors of Eurovisionfun, reacting and commenting on the Israeli entry for Eurovision 2023 below:

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Israeli participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2023, in Liverpool!

Israel: Tonight Israel Calling 2023!

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Tonight takes place the Israeli Eurovision Pre-Party “Israel Calling” with more than 20 artists in the line-up.

This is going to be the fifth edition of the Israel Calling and has a special meaning as this year marks 50 years since this first participation of Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest alongside with the 75th anniversary of the establishment of the State of Israel. 18 of this year’s Eurovision participants are going to perform tonight.

  • Albania – Albina & Familija Kelmendi
  • Azerbaijan – TuralTuranX
  • Croatia – Let 3
  • Czechia – Vesna
  • Denmark – Reiley
  • Estonia – Alika
  • Georgia – Iru
  • Ireland – Wild Youth
  • Latvia – Sudden Lights
  • Lithuania – Monika Linkyte
  • Malta – The Busker
  • Moldova – Pasha Parfeni
  • Poland – Blanka
  • San Marino – Piqued Jacks
  • Serbia – Luka Black
  • Slovenia – Joker Out
  • Spain – Blanca Paloma
  • Ukraine – TVORCHI

The rest of the line-up includes the bellow guest performers:

  • Anne-Marie David – Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest 1973
  • Eden Alene – Represented Israel at Eurovision 2020 and 2021
  • Ilanit – Represented Israel at Eurovision 1973 and 1977
  • Imri – Represented Israel at Eurovision 2017
  • Johnny Logan – Winner of Eurovision 1980 & 1987, and winning songwriter in 1992
  • Katrina – Winner of Eurovision 1997
  • Mei Finegold – Represented Israel at Eurovision 2014
  • Shlomit Aharon- Represented Israel at Eurovision 1981

The Israeli Calling 2023 hosts are Dafna Dekel and Sigal Shachmon, who co-hosted the Eurovision Song Contest 1999 in Jerusalem. Dafna also represented Israel at Eurovision 1992. The event is going to take place at Hangar 11, a familiar place for the Eurofans as it was the venue of the Eurovision Village for the 2019 contest.

Israel Calling is not scheduled to be broadcast live tonight, but those interested can watch it on the upcoming Saturday 08/04 at 20:00 CET through the official YouTube channel of the event.

Stay tuned on Eurovision Fun for all the updates around the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest!