Noa Kirel marching down the turquoise carpet
(Video: Courtesy of Kan)
Representatives of Noa Kirel have declined interviews with international media about Israeli politics for the Eurovision Song Contest, Ynet learned on Sunday.
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"This is a music competition, and we prefer not to discuss politics," the singer's agents said, adding that the international media has honored their request "out of respect for Kirel."
The Eurovision kicked off on Sunday with an official welcome event, with the Israeli delegation headed by Kirel marching down the turquoise carpet.
On Friday, you were frying schnitzels and on Tuesday you're performing in front of millions on the Eurovision stage.
"Sweetie, this is Israel, you see?" Kirel tells Ynet. "This is us, there's nothing you can do about it. It's a transition that I've grown accustomed to. Even after the Eurovision, I have a gig at a bat mitzvah, literally two days later. This is me, this is my life. But it's fun, balancing, grounding. It's good."
The singer was asked if she had already gone on a date with Mae Muller, the British representative who invited Kirel to spend time with her while in Liverpool after confessing on Twitter that she is a fan of the Israeli contender. "The date hasn't happened yet, I haven't even met her," she said. "I didn't have time, but it's going to happen this week, we're going to grab some food."
Kirel shared about meeting her expectations for the preparations for the competition so far. "I thought it would be much more stressful, but it's more fun. The week ahead of us is really critical, but overall, we're having a blast - the energy is amazing."
The event took place at the Walker Art Gallery in Liverpool and was attended by the competition's 37 delegations.
Martin Osterdahl, the supervisor of the Eurovision Song Contest, also met with representatives of the participating countries.
On Tuesday, the first semi-final will be held with the Israeli contender booked to perform ninth on the list, alongside other favorites, including the Swedish representative, Loreen (who, according to the odds, is expected to win first place) and the Finnish representative, Käärijä (who currently sits in second place).