Photo: Tal Givoni

Four finalists of “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2025” have answered our questions about their Eurovision performance vision, language preferences, and the importance of representing Israel at Eurovision 2025.

Tomorrow, Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025, to be held in Basel, Switzerland on May 13, 15, and 17, will be chosen during the finale of “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2025,” airing on Keshet 12 at 20:30. The four finalists, Yuval Raphael, Valerie Hamati, Daniel Weiss, and Moran and Red Band, responded to our questions, and one of them will become Israel’s representative at Eurovision!

Valerie Hamati

How do you envision your performance at Eurovision in terms of song style, outfit, choreography, etc.?

“I imagine a larger-than-life song, emotional, touching, sharp as a knife, and with a clear message. A powerful ballad like that. For my outfit, I envision a long maxi dress that is somewhat flowing with elements woven into it that tell the whole story artistically, along with modern dance choreography filled with passion and pain, surrounded by many dancers who envelop me and lift me physically during the performance as part of the artistry.”

Have you watched Eurovision before? Why is it important for you to represent Israel at Eurovision and when did it become a dream (if at all)?

“Of course I have watched Eurovision in the past! It’s very important for me to represent Israel because this is my country first of all. I was born here; I’m ninth generation here and I love it and feel connected to it. I want to show the world what life is like here in Israel and the diverse populations that live together daily in good neighborliness and peace. It became a really big dream of mine since Netta Barzilai won Eurovision and I saw how much impact an artist can have on the world.”

Would you like the song to be entirely in Hebrew? Or to mix in English? Or another language?

“I’m not in a position to decide what language the song will be in because there is a whole committee responsible for that. I know that whatever they choose will serve the country best. I think that most likely the song will be mostly in English because it’s the international language everyone understands, but there should definitely be parts in Hebrew since that’s our country’s language. If they see fit and want to, I would always be happy to include Arabic or artistic elements related to Arabic singing.”

Yuval Raphael

How do you envision your performance at Eurovision in terms of song style, outfit, choreography, etc.?

“First of all, it has to be a ballad this year in my opinion. I’m debating between something that starts very quietly and delicately that captivates them—calm waters penetrating very deeply—or opening up very powerfully by the second chorus/second verse with something heart-shattering. Alternatively, from the start, a very powerful production with violins and cellos that gives a sense of something very strong in the room—a big presence! Either way, it has to be something that sends shivers down your spine even if you don’t want it to.”

Have you watched Eurovision before? Why is it important for you to represent Israel at Eurovision and when did it become a dream (if at all)?

“I have watched Eurovision before. This year advocacy has become an inseparable part of me. It feels like a commitment and new uniforms tailored for me; until my friends take off their uniforms, neither will I. It’s a platform that allows me to do this in a therapeutic way. For me, music is healing for my soul and advocacy is my fight; the combination between the two wins especially after all the experiences I had with advocacy last year. I’ve already faced all kinds of political questions bravely and now I want to touch hearts with my voice from another place.”

Would you like the song to be entirely in Hebrew? Or to mix in English? Or another language?

“I think it’s important to include English this year; maybe even utilize some of my French as well—both familiar and unexpected. Understanding the words is important for connection; you can convey emotion in many forms without understanding words if done correctly but there’s definitely a big difference when you understand the language.”

Daniel Weiss

How do you envision your performance at Eurovision in terms of song style, outfit, choreography, etc.?

“I envision a simple number that brings great vocality and intimacy alongside grandiosity, which will create excitement combined with a sense of elevation and a strong connection to the heart.”

Have you watched Eurovision before? Why is it important for you to represent Israel at Eurovision and when did it become a dream (if at all)?

“I would be happy to represent us at Eurovision for the same reason I came on this show—to bring my unique added value and spread it across Europe.”

Would you like the song to be entirely in Hebrew? Or to mix in English? Or another language?

“I think it’s right to include English in the song but what’s best for the song comes first. Whatever is right for the song is what will be.”

Moran Aharoni and Red Band

How do you envision your performance at Eurovision in terms of song style, outfit, choreography, etc.?

Red: “I imagine a children’s choir of 300 kids all dressed like me. I ride in on a live elephant covered in naznazim (Glitter). It’s a metaphor, the elephant. They say don’t work with children or animals but I don’t give a s***t.”

Moran: “A powerful song style with slightly theatrical character or like a scene from a movie. Dramatic attire.”

Have you watched Eurovision before? Why is it important for you to represent Israel at Eurovision and when did it become a dream (if at all)?

Red: “I never saw it. I thought there was also an element of feats of strength, you know running and swimming and singing. Now they tell me it’s just singing so it’ll be easier than I thought.”

Moran: “I’ve watched before and the sense of pride that filled me when watching as one of the people made me realize how important this is for us as a nation.”

Would you like the song to be entirely in Hebrew? Or to mix in English? Or another language?

Red: “I would love it if there was Hebrew, English, Yiddish and Arabic, maybe a little Italian. Why not? Everyone is invited!”

Moran: “I would want the song to include Hebrew and English—to communicate with audiences outside while also exposing them to our language.”

The four finalists who advanced to the grand finale will perform a familiar song from which three contestants will move on to the final stage. In this final stage, these three contestants will perform another song aiming to impress judges and audiences alike regarding their capability to represent Israel at Eurovision. After these performances, judges and audiences will vote again to choose Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025.

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.