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Israel: The lyrics from Eden Golan’s song!

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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.

 

Source: Twitter/Eurovision Insider

Israel: The lyrics in question from Eden Golan’s Eurovision 2024 entry!

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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.

The lyrics in question

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.

Israel – in fear of withdrawal

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!

Source: israelhayom

Israeli Entry in Eurovision 2024 Under Threat as EBU Considers Disqualification!

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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.”

Concerns Over Israel’s Participation in Eurovision: EBU Contemplates Disqualifying “October’s Rain”

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

 

Israel: With “October Rain” Eden Golan in Eurovision 2024?

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According to reports in the Israeli media, the song chosen by the country’s public television commission for Eden Golan to compete in Eurovision 2024 is October Rain. However, a conflict between the composers of the song can bring about last-minute twists.

Clash of the creators of October Rain

Eran Suisa of Israel Hayom, a well-known journalist who has from time to time revealed many news concerning Israel in the contest, in his article reveals that the selection of KAN for Eurovision 2024 is the song of Avi Ohion, Keren Peles and Stav Begar, October Rain. The song is in English lyrics, except for two phrases in Hebrew, and refers to the events of October 7, with the terrorist attack by Hamas on Israeli soil, which resulted in the death of thousands of civilians and the kidnapping of hundreds of hostages. This terrorist attack led to the start of hostilities in Gaza, between the armed forces of Israel and the fighters of Hamas. A war conflict that continues to this day.

The announcement of the song was expected to happen immediately after its approval by the EBU, while the video clip would be released in early March. However, a last-minute development may bring reversals. So according to what Era Suisa reports, Stav Begar reportedly wants his name placed among the creators of the song, with Avi Ohion and Keren Peles not agreeing and insisting that he should be credited simply as an arranger.

Stav Berger claims that if his request is not accepted, he will ask for the song to be withdrawn. This would eventually result in the second shortlisted song, Mai Safdia and Yanon Yahal (creators of Unicorn) being selected.

Is October Rain a political song?

In addition to all of the above, the debate was also opened as to whether Israel could participate in the competition, with a song with this title and these implications?

There are not a few who believe that the song is clearly political and the EBU should not allow it. On the other hand, there are also voices that parallel the case of October Rain with Jamala’s 1944, saying that the song simply recounts events that have happened, having a historical and not a political connotation.

The solution will be given by the EBU which will approve or not the lyrics of the song. KAN in any case has an alternative solution, the second song, which it has also sent for approval to the EBU.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Israel: KAN’s announcement of Eden Golan’s song for Eurovision 2024!

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Israel’s public television, KAN, has come up with the song with which Eden Golan will participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. The committee selected the winning song by secret ballot. KAN sent its decision to the EBU for approval. Once the EBU approves the song, it will be released to the public.

The KAN announcement states:

The committee for the selection of the song that will represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest met at the company’s offices and held a professional discussion that ended with a secret vote for the two songs that reached the final stage.
The voting results, confirmed by the company’s lawyers and approved by the committee.

We remind you that the two nominated songs are signed by important creators, with experience and success in the competition. One is composed by Eden Golan herself and produced by Yanon Yahel and Mai Sepadia (composer of Unicorn) and the other is composed again by Eden Golan, in collaboration with Keren Peles, Avi Ohayon and Stu Bager (composer of Toy ).

A few days ago, the EBU confirmed once again Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, despite calls to the contrary from various centers, which called for its exclusion from the upcoming song contest.

We are now waiting with interest for the final announcement about Israel’s entry in Eurovision 2024. As mentioned above, this will happen after the final approval of the song by the EBU.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Israel: With the composers of Unicorn or Toy, Eden at Eurovision 2024?

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According to Israeli media reports today, KAN rejected one of Eden Golan’s top three candidate songs for Eurovision 2024 because of its lyrics, which contained political overtones. Two songs remain in contention, with major composers signing both.

The delay in announcing the song with which Eden Golan will represent Israel at Eurovision 2024 is due to the fact that KAN rejected one of the top three candidate songs. The verse, YNET reports today, contained political messages and was therefore against the competition’s regulations.

The decision on the song that will be chosen is expected perhaps at the end of the week, as long as the EBU first approves the lyrics of the two remaining songs. A committee will make the final selection and if there is no issue, the song announcement will take place in the next few days.

It is worth noting that the control of the lyrics was done after a request addressed by the Israeli public television to the EBU, something that has happened several times in the past.

The two songs are signed by very important composers, who have great successes to their credit both in Eurovision and outside of it. One is composed by Eden Golan herself and produced by Yanon Yahel and Mai Sepadia (composer of Unicorn) and the other is composed again by Eden Golan, in collaboration with Keren Peles, Avi Ohayon and Stu Bager (composer of Toy ).

All of the above is happening at a time when more than 400 celebrities from the entertainment industry support Israel’s participation in Eurovision and at a time when, once again, the EBU confirms that Israel will participate normally in the competition, separating its case from that of Russia a few years ago.

With the minimum of appearances as you read in our previous article, Israel is expected to participate normally in Malmo, in a very special year for the country and while the war conflict in Gaza continues.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the developments!

Source: YNET

Eden Golan: “I would like a song with a message, a huge song”!

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The winner of HaKokhav Haba and now representative of Israel in Eurovision 2024, spoke to our colleagues from Euromix, shortly before the final of the talent show. Among what she said, she also described the song with which she would like to represent her country in the contest!

The 20-year-old performer impressed from her first audition at HaKokhav Haba, gathering 100%, a record that has never happened in the years the said talent show has been held. She is as nervous as she needs to be, but she has high expectations both for her stage appearance and for the song with which she will be invited to represent Israel at Eurovision.

She would like a song with English and Hebrew lyrics, but also with a strong message:

It cannot be a song entirely in Hebrew. We need some Hebrew lyrics that unite us, but it has to be in English, with a message, a huge song!

In the ballad or dance song dilemma, Eden Golan explains how she could serve both.

Maybe I should combine both? Everything is still theoretical and many things can be done. If a commanding heart-wrenching ballad is submitted to the committee, then I will be happy to compete with a ballad. If a song is submitted that includes dancing but also has a message of strength and empowerment then that would be great. But maybe a combination of both it would be the best solution.

As for the reactions in some countries to Israel’s participation and whether this could affect the chances of winning in Malmö, it is something that Eden realizes exists, but prefers to focus on the love and sympathy that exists from someone else portion of the world and not in hatred.

There is a lot of hatred towards Israel and that is something that cannot be ignored, but on the other hand there is also a lot of love and many times we focus more on the bad things and less attention on the good things. What is important is to represent Israel with pride and give our best, make our people happy – and whatever happens will be for the best.

Watch the full interview below:

How the song will be chosen

The broadcaster, KAN, has issued an invitation to a wide range of Israeli creators to submit songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” to compete in Eurovision 2024. A key requirement for this year’s submissions is that the songs must include Hebrew lyrics.

At least 30 creators will nominate their songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” and participants are allowed to submit up to two songs each until February 11. All creators must have Israeli citizenship and foreign creators are not allowed to participate. Submitted songs will be presented anonymously to a seven-member selection committee.

The committee will evaluate the songs based on professional criteria, such as the quality and originality of the lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, its suitability for the Eurovision contest, the possibility of the song’s success at Eurovision, the suitability of the representation of the broadcaster as public broadcasting, the overall impression left by the song and other relevant criteria.

If the committee does not find a suitable song, it has the option of inviting the general public to submit additional songs, or choose a song published after September 1, or choose a song from other proposals made for Israel’s participation in the Eurovision between 2021 and 2023.

The winning song will be edited, recorded and a music video produced for the song’s unveiling, which is scheduled for a special broadcast in late February or early March.

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, in Malmö!

Source: Euromix

Israel: Eden Golan to Eurovision 2024!

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The Grand Final of HaKochav HaBa – Eurovision 2024 Edition was completed a few minutes ago, with Eden Golan ending up as the winner of the talent show, and the country’s representative in Eurovision 2024!

Hosts of the night were once again Assi Azar and Rotem Sela, while the jury consisted of Shiri Maimon, Itay Levy, Assaf Amdorsky, Ran Dankar and Keren Pels with Eden Hasson being a new addition.

Four artists were in the race to represent Israel in the coming Eurovision Song Contest:

  • Or Cohen
  • Eden Golan
  • Dor Shimon
  • Mika Moshe

In the first round, the two battles, were between Mika Moshe and Or Cohen, and Dor Shimon and Eden Golan. 

  • Mika Moshe 64% VS Or Cohen 83%
  • Dor Shimon 64% VS Eden Golan 79%

After the first round of voting, Or Cohen and Eden Golan, qualified for the final voting round in the superfinal. Dor Shimon and Mika Moshe were claiming the last ticket for the superfinal. Sadly Dor Shimon did not manage to get that ticket.

After the last three artists performed again, the jury and the public voted, and after the votes were combined, the winner was Eden Golan, who will fly the Israeli flag in Malmö!

Or Cohen ended up second, and Mika Moshe third:

The results of the jury:

The results of the public:

Below you can see Eden Golan’s performances during the show:

The broadcaster, KAN, has sent out an invitation to a diverse range of Israeli creators to submit songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba” to perform at Eurovision 2024. A crucial requirement for this year’s submissions is that the songs must include Hebrew lyrics.

At least 30 creators will propose their songs for the winner of “HaKokhav Haba,” and the participants have the option to submit up to two songs each by February 11. All creators must hold Israeli citizenship, and foreign creators are not allowed to participate. The submitted songs will be presented anonymously to a seven-member selection committee.

The committee will evaluate the songs based on professional criteria such as the quality and originality of lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, its appropriateness for the Eurovision competition, the likelihood of the song’s success in Eurovision, its suitability for representing the broadcaster as a public radio and television entity, the overall impression the song leaves, and other relevant criteria.

If the committee does not find a suitable song, it has the option to issue a call to the general public for additional song submissions or choose a song that has been published after September 1, or select a song from other submissions made for Israel’s participation in Eurovision between 2021 and 2023.

The winning song will undergo processing, recording, and clip production for the song’s unveiling, scheduled for a special broadcast in late February or early March.

Stay tuned on Eurovisionfun for all the news regarding the Israeli participation at the Eurovision Song Contest 2024, in Malmö!

Israel: The results of the 19th episode of HaKokhav Haba | Only six artists left!

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Yesterday 25/1, the 19th episode of HaKokhav Haba (special edition), the talent show through which the artist who will raise the flag of Israel at Eurovision 2024 will be announced!

As we have already informed you, 35 artists passed the scope of the auditions, with 14 of them going to the second phase – the battles phase, and they will claim the representation of the country in Eurovision 2024!

In the 19th episode we watched duets of the candidates with well-known Israeli artists, with six contestants advancing to the next stage and one leaving the show. 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.

Seven contestants then appeared in front of an audience and a panel of judges, with the one with the lowest score leaving the show.

Or Cohen

Opening the night is Or Cohen, who continues to show great confidence on stage. Despite relatively mediocre comments from the judges, everyone votes for her. Or Cohen receives 94% and advances to the next phase.

Mika Moshe

Mika joins in with a duet with Netta. The voices of both match very well and this of course does not go unnoticed by the judges. All but one judge votes for her. With 86% she advances to the next phase.

Dor Shimoni

Dor insists on his familiar Mediterranean style and this is commented negatively by the judges, who would like him to try other styles, like the other contestants. With 79%, however, he advances to the next phase.

Eden Golan

Eden performs a Beatles song and proves that she can sing anything. The comments are once again demeaning to Eden. With 92% it proves that it is one of the big favorites for the victory.

Shay Tamino

Shay’s performance divided the judges, with some saying it was her best on the show and two judges not liking it, voting her off. Finally with 72% it will be in the next episode as well.

Leanne Byrne

Leanne’s choice of song and performance did not convince most of the panel. In the end, with 56%, she will manage to qualify for the next phase.

Arik Sinai

Although Arik received generally positive reviews, he did not convince the audience and the jury with his performance. With 51% he was the one who was eliminated from the continuation of the show.

The six artists who are still in the running to represent Israel at Eurovision 2024 are:

Leanne Byrne
Eden Golan
Shay Tamino
Or Cohen
Mika Moshe
Dor Shimoni

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

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Z3mIcCllJXY

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all the updates!

Israel: On February 6, the choice of representative for Eurovision 2024!

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In an announcement, Israel’s public television reports today that the HaKokhav Haba final will be held on February 6, where the Israeli representative for Eurovision 2024 will be chosen.

Four contestants will compete in the grand finale of HaKokhav Haba for the ticket to Malmo, Sweden. The winner will be chosen by the viewers and judges.

KAN has already made a call to a wide range of Israeli creators to submit the song with which the winner of HaKokhav Haba will represent the country at Eurovision 2024. A necessary condition for those who submit a song this year is that it also contains Jewish lyrics.

At least 30 creators will nominate their songs for the winner of HaKokhav Haba, who will also be able to nominate a song. All creators must have Israeli citizenship, while foreign creators are not allowed to participate. Each creator can submit up to two songs, until February 11th.

The song selection committee will consist of seven members and will choose based on professional criteria such as: the quality and originality of the lyrics and melody, the suitability of the song for the artist, the suitability of the song for the Eurovision contest, the chances success of the song in the Eurovision contest, suitability for representing the company as a public broadcaster, the general impression left by the song and other relevant criteria.

The proposed songs will be presented to the committee anonymously, without revealing the identity of the creators of the songs to the committee members. Composers participating in Israel’s song selection process will not be able to participate as composers in another country for Eurovision 2024.

According to the regulations, if the committee does not find a suitable song, it can publish a call to the general public for additional songs, or choose a song that has been published after September 1, or choose a song from other songs submitted for Israel’s participation at Eurovision, between 2021-2023.

The winning song will be edited, recorded and produced a clip, in preparation for the program to reveal the song, as well as for its submission to Eurovision. The song will be announced in a special show in late February or early March!

At the moment there are seven artists left in the running to represent Israel at Eurovision 2024:

Leanne Byrne
Eden Golan
Arik Sinai
Shay Tamino
Or Cohen
Mika Moshe
Dor Shimoni

One of the above will be the HaKokhav Haba winner and the one who will get the ticket to the 68th Eurovision Song Contest.

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

Stay tuned to Eurovisionfun for all developments regarding Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2024, in Malmö!

Source: Euromix