A year after competing on the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision” and earning the honor of representing Israel in Eurovision 2025, Yuval Raphael returns to the show – this time as a judge.
After astonishing Europe, earning a respectable second place at Eurovision 2025, and moving an entire nation, Yuval Raphael comes full circle exactly one year after her first audition — returning to the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”. But this time, she takes on a completely different role: sitting in the judge’s chair. The winner of the upcoming season, set to air in November, will step into Yuval Raphael’s shoes and represent Israel on the grand international stage at Eurovision 2026, set to take place in Vienna, Austria.
Yuval Raphael, the winner of the previous season and Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2025 in Basel with her stirring ballad “New Day Will Rise”, will join the judging panel as a guest judge. Her return to the show, exactly one year after her first audition, marks an acknowledgment of her success and brings a fresh, relevant perspective to the show’s lineup.
The Rotating Chair: Replacing Ran Danker
Raphael will partially take over from departing judge Ran Danker. Following Danker’s exit from the show, producers opted for an exciting new approach: instead of appointing a permanent replacement, rotating guest judges will be featured throughout the season. Raphael will play a central role in introducing this refreshed dynamic.
Her selection as a guest judge is a brilliant move. With her firsthand Eurovision experience, Raphael can offer contestants vital “from-the-ground” insights into the intense preparation and emotional pressure of competing on an international stage.
Another Star Joins: Netta Barzilai?
Alongside the surprise of Raphael’s return, there is more buzz behind the scenes. Netta Barzilai, who stunned Europe before her – as the winner of Season 5 and Eurovision 2018 – hinted at a possible comeback as well. Barzilai posted an Instagram Story showing her at the judges’ desk, suggesting she might join the rotating panel. Having both proven Eurovision stars – Yuval as the freshest representative and Netta as a past champion— sets the stage for a captivating season.
From Tragedy to Triumph: Raphael’s Global Journey
Raphael’s personal story has touched hearts across Israel and beyond. The 24-year-old from Ra’anana, who also spent part of her youth in Geneva, Switzerland, survived the October 7th Hamas attack at the Nova festival by pretending to be dead after hiding in what survivors called “the death shelter”. The experience changed her life forever. Since then, she has emerged as a strong voice for Israeli advocacy, speaking at global forums and before leaders, including the UN Human Rights Council. Raphael now combines her testimony with a flourishing international music career, extending her influence far beyond the stage.
Her debut performance as a judge is scheduled for November 1st, at Hayarkon Park, Tel Aviv, where she will also premiere new songs. With the release of her single “Amber Skies” and the mini-album “22:22”, Yuval Raphael not only offers a resonant soundtrack for this transformative chapter but also cements her status as an international artist with a powerful voice and story. Fans eagerly await more of her original music—and her fresh role beside the judges’ table on “HaKokhav HaBa LaEurovision”.
Israel at Eurovision 2025
“New Day Will Rise” is the song performed by Yuval Raphael, who was chosen to represent Israel after winning the 11th season of “HaKokhav HaBa”. Israel advanced to the final after winning the second semi-final with 203 points and finished second overall with 357 points in the grand final. Israel ranked first in the public vote but only 14th with the jury. This marks the third consecutive year that Israel has reached the top five – an unprecedented achievement.
Eurovision 2026: This will be Israel’s 48th participation in Eurovision. Israel joined the contest in 1973 and has won four times. Its most recent victory was at Eurovision 2018 with the song “Toy”, performed by singer Netta Barzilai.
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Ilay Gaist is a leading Israeli content creator and writer specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest. He is a well-known commentator with extensive expertise in the contest’s history, rules, and dynamics. His passion for Eurovision drives him to deliver rich, professional, and innovative content to his audience.
Ilay holds a bachelor’s degree in Arabic and has a multilingual background. He also engages in cultural research, with a particular focus on global culinary traditions and the evolution of local cuisines around the world.
