One week before the grand finale of The Next Star for Eurovision 2025: Ever wanted to know who’s behind Red Band? All the behind-the-scenes secrets of Israel’s hottest puppet band!

Six contestants were left at this stage in the competition for “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2025,” with the winner representing Israel at Eurovision 2025 to be held in Basel on May 13, 15, and 17. Among them are Moran Aharoni and Red Band, one of the most prominent contestants in “HaKochav HaBa for Eurovision 2025”, due to their successful vocal combination and support from the judging panel, and because they are both well-known singers in the Israeli music world.




Red Band are an Israeli puppet band formed in 2005 by Ari Pepper, Micha Doman, and Ami Wiesel, combining unique music and comedy. The band includes puppet characters like lead singer Red Orbach, guitarist Poncho, and keyboardist Lefty, and had their own TV show called “Red Band”.

Joining the band is Moran Aharoni, a singer-songwriter who participated in the fourth season of the TV show “Kochav Nolad”. After about 14 years, she participated in “HaKochav HaBa for Eurovision 2020” and was eliminated in the semi-finals. In both shows, Aharoni stood out due to her wide vocal range and left heart-stirring performances. Moran Aharoni brings the drama and the big voice, while Red Band brings the rock and comedy.




Rotem Sela, the host of “The Next Star for Eurovision 2025”, revealed in one of the broadcasts the man behind the Red puppet: Ari Pepper. Pepper, who started his career in music, discovered a unique talent for combining puppet theater with live music. Red’s character, like the other characters in the band, provides not only entertainment but also a deep artistic perspective.

During the duets stage of the show, Rotem Sela exposed the great efforts Pepper invests in each performance: “People at home don’t know that Red is operated by one person. He holds him and also sings, does everything.” When Red, Aharoni, and Sadeh approached to start the duet in episode 18, the judges also added their own insights about Pepper.

Eden Hason explained, “It’s very difficult to hold your hand in the air like that for so long and also sing,” and Shiri Maimon added: “I once guested in his show. To stand for an hour and a half with this event, it’s quite something. His body is strong and he sings amazingly.”







Red Band and Moran Aharoni – Who are they?

Red Band, an Israeli puppet band formed in 2005 by Ari PepperMicha Domman, and Ami Vizzel, combines unique music with comedy. The band includes puppet characters like lead singer Red Orbach, guitarist Poncho, and keyboardist Lefty, having appeared on their own television show called “Red Band”. Over the years, they have performed across Israel as well as on international tours, covering rock songs and American folk tunes.

In 2006, the band went on an international tour, including participation in the “Tárrega” street art festival and performances in cities such as Amsterdam, Barcelona, and New York. In the summer of 2008, the band changed its name to “Red Band” and became a television series, broadcast on HOT’s VOD channel, and at the Jewish Film Festival in San Francisco.

Joining them is Moran Aharoni, a singer-songwriter who participated in Season 4 of “Kochav Nolad” (A Star is Born). After about 14 years she participated in “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2020”, where she was eliminated in the semifinals. In both shows, Aharoni stood out due to her wide vocal range, leaving heart-wrenching performances behind her.



Israel in Eurovision 2024

“Hurricane” is the name of the song performed by singer Eden Golan, who was chosen to represent Israel after winning the tenth season of “HaKokhav Haba“. Israel advanced to the final after winning the second semi-final with 194 points, and in the grand final reached fifth place with 375 points. In the public vote, Israel came in second place, just 14 points behind the first place.

This is the second consecutive time that Israel has reached the top five, an achievement it had not attained since its streak of successes in 1998-1999.

Eurovision 2024: This was Israel’s 46th participation in Eurovision. Israel joined the competition in 1973 and has won it four times over the years. Israel’s last victory was at Eurovision 2018 with the song “Toy” performed by singer Netta Barzilai.