As Eurovision 2024 looms large, Israel grapples with a devastating five-month-long war, making a return to normalcy seem distant. Yet, this European song contest, striving to remain apolitical, serves as a diplomatic opportunity for Israel to enhance its image globally, sharing its narrative while millions watch.
With Israel's entry Hurricane cleared by the European Broadcasting Union, ensuring our participation, it's time to strategize for the battle in Malmö, Sweden. Who will represent Israel, and when will the song that will fly our flag be revealed?
Who will represent Israel?
The woman tasked with conquering Eurovision 2024 is 20-year-old Eden Golan, the winner of the reality TV singing contest The Next Star for Eurovision.
Golan, who returned to Israel two years ago after a 13-year stint in Moscow, where she participated in the Russian kids' reality show The Voice, clinched her victory with renditions of Whitney Houston's I Have Nothing and Aerosmith's I Don't Want to Miss a Thing.
After winning the talent show, Golan expressed her belief in Israel's chances at the competition. "I will do everything in my power for this, it's a tough year and it's unpredictable," she said.
"I want to believe that music distinguishes us. Maybe there is a chance to win. No matter what place we reach, the mere fact that I will be there and have the honor to represent our country is already a huge achievement."
What song is expected to represent Israel?
The official song representing Israel is titled Hurricane, set to be unveiled for the first time in a special broadcast on Sunday, March 10, at 9:30 pm (Israel time) on public broadcaster Kan. The song's new lyrics reportedly deal with a young woman emerging from a personal crisis.
What was the controversy around the Israeli song?
Several weeks ago, the European Broadcasting Union (EBU) informed Israeli public broadcaster Kan that it would disqualify both its entries, October Rain and Dance Forever, due to their supposed political messaging.
Kan initially resisted the EBU’s request to change the lyrics, but eventually, October Rain was reworked into Hurricane. Written by Keren Peles, Avi Ohayon and Stav Beger, Hurricane is based on the melody originally written for its predecessor, after Kan agreed to modify the chosen song to enable Israel's participation in Eurovision 2024.
Since then, the EBU's supervisory committee officially approved the song's text, following the informal disqualification of the two previous submissions. Throughout the song selection and approval process by the EBU, diplomatic efforts were made by both President Isaac Herzog and the Foreign Ministry to find a compromise between the parties.
When is Eurovision?
Eurovision week, featuring two semi-finals and the celebratory grand final, kicks off on May 5.
When are the semi-finals?
The first semi-final will take place on May 7, with Slovenia, Iceland, Ukraine, Cyprus, Poland, Serbia, Finland, Lithuania, Portugal, Australia, Azerbaijan, Moldova, Croatia, Ireland and Luxembourg competing.
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Additionally, the first semi-final will feature performances by Britain and Germany, both automatically qualified for the final as part of the "Big Five," along with last year's winner Sweden.
Due to its proximity to Holocaust Remembrance Day, Israel requested—and was placed—in the second semi-final. Israeli representative Eden Golan will compete against Austria, Albania, Estonia, Georgia, Malta, the Netherlands, Switzerland, Norway, Latvia, Greece, San Marino, Belgium, Armenia, Denmark and the Czech Republic. Spain, Italy and France will also perform in the second semi-final.
What does Israel need to qualify for the final?
From each semi-final, only ten countries will advance, meaning Israel needs to gather enough points to secure its spot. The 20 countries from the semi-finals will be joined by the "Big Five"—Britain, Germany, Italy, France, and Spain—as well as Sweden, the host country and last year's winner, making a total of 26 countries competing in the final.