“HaKokhav HaBa” – Episode 4: Five contestants passed to the next round. The advancing contestants are Tamir Levy, Dylan Morgan, Lior Kakon, Ori Aharon, and Eitan Aharon.
Tonight, the fourth episode of the reality show “HaKokhav HaBa” aired, through which Israel’s representative for Eurovision 2026 will be chosen. This evening featured six auditions, with five contestants succeeding and moving on to the next stage thanks to the support of the judges and the studio audience. One of them might go on to represent Israel in Eurovision this coming May.
The panel once again included Assaf Amdursky, Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, Eden Hasson, and Itay Lev, with Dana International and Shay Kerem joining as guest judges. Each contestant must receive at least 70% of the votes to advance, and every judge contributes 12% to the total voting score.
Tamir Levy
Tamir, 23 years old, originally from Hod Hasharon and currently living in Tel Aviv, works as a waiter and a musician, and even released his own album. He began his musical journey at a young age, inspired by his father. For his audition, Tamir chose the song “Hakol Ad LeKan” (originally by Amir Benayoun), delivering a deeply personal performance filled with emotion. His control, range, and falsetto impressed the judges. Although it remains to be seen how his voice suits the Eurovision stage, his talent was undeniable.
Shiri praised him:
“I’m overwhelmed. That was such a powerful and precise performance. You’re dynamic, stable, and full of calm and strength – one of the best renditions of this song I’ve heard.
Assaf added:
“You’re an exceptional performer, experienced and smart. You sing cleanly, from the heart, and know exactly what you’re doing. I’m eager to hear more from you.”
All judges voted in favor. Tamir received 94% and advanced to the next stage.
Dylan Morgan
Dylan, 16.5 years old from Tel Mond, originally from the United States. His mother is Israeli, and his father, from San Francisco, was the lead singer of a pop band in his youth. Dylan enjoys modern pop, especially Billie Eilish. He shared that performing and moving people through music has always been his dream, adding that representing Israel would be an incredible honor. For his audition, he sang “Happier Than Ever” (originally by Billie Eilish). Clearly emotional, his voice trembled at first but gained strength as the performance continued, drawing enthusiastic reactions from the audience.
Assaf said:
“You sing in a way that’s almost superhuman – so accurate, so bright. Wow! Where did you come from?”
Shiri explained her vote:
“I think you’re too young. You’re talented, musical, sweet, and charming, and your English is great. You could represent us one day, but I’d like you to gain more experience before taking such a big step.”
Shiri voted against, but Dylan scored 81% and advanced to the next round.
Lior Kakon
Age 26, from Hadera, now living in Givat Olga. Lior began performing at the age of four alongside her father, who is also a singer. Her sister, Shai Kakon, is an Olympic sailor who competed in two Olympic Games. Lior knows judge Eden Hason from jam sessions and stated that she’s aiming straight for first place at Eurovision.
Dana International and Shay Kerem replaced Keren Peles for this performance. Lior chose the song “Yam Shel Dmaot” (originally by Zohar Argov) and famously performed by Ninet Tayeb when she won the first edition fo “Kokhav Nolad.” (the older and iconic version of “HaKokhav HaBa) in 2003. It takes courage to sing such a legendary song, and Lior did not disappoint. Her voice was smooth, emotional, and beautifully ornamented. Her years of experience showed throughout her soulful performance.
Shiri commented:
“You have one of the most beautiful voices I’ve heard. There was perfection in your tone, the subtle riffs, and the boldness to perform such an iconic song. A stunning performance – I loved every bit of it.”
Dana added:
“Your voice has an international quality, which is a huge plus. You don’t sound typically Israeli – you sound international.”
All judges voted in favor. Lior achieved 96% and advanced to the next stage.
Shir Azaria
Age 33, from Eilat, has been pursuing music since childhood and previously appeared on the Kids’ Channel’s “Project Band” over a decade ago. She also participated in “Love Island.” Shir described herself as a diva and a perfect match for Eurovision. For her audition, she sang “Young and Beautiful” (Originally by Lana Del Rey). Although her low voice was striking, the performance lacked energy. The song choice didn’t suit her, and despite moments of vocal beauty, she failed to captivate the judges or audience.
Shiri said:
“You have a really beautiful, strong, and stable voice. But maybe this wasn’t the right song for you. If I had come in expecting a diva, this isn’t the song I’d choose.”
Keren added:
“I didn’t feel you took us on your journey. You have a lovely voice and impressive presence, but I wasn’t swept away.”
Assaf, Keren, and Eden voted against. Shir received 42% and did not advance.
Ori Aharon
25 years old, from Rosh HaAyin. Ori has been involved in music since a young age and is appearing to give a platform to his brother, Eitan Aharon, who is on the high-functioning autism spectrum and is also auditioning. Ori spent part of his childhood in a boarding school and says he is here to give his all in the competition, accepting whatever the outcome may be. He wants the world to hear his brother and declares that he too can reach the top of the competition. For his audition, Ori performed “Medumyan” (originally by Pe’er Tasi). Ori’s voice was powerful and steady throughout, with beautiful vocal ornaments that gave him the flair of an authentic Mediterranean singer.
Keren said:
“From a songwriter’s point of view, people dream of having their songs performed this way. I felt the song differently – you presented it with such intelligence and depth, showing a connection to what you sing.”
Eden added:
“You’re the kind of person who could be relied upon at Eurovision as well. You can shoulder responsibility and stay steady no matter what comes.”
All judges voted in favor. Ori received 94% and advances to the next round.
Eitan Aharon
23 years old, from Rosh HaAyin. Eitan is on the high-functioning autism spectrum, and the brother of Ori Aharon, who also auditioned. He was very excited to participate and dreams of winning the competition despite the pressure. Singing since childhood, Eitan is the lead singer in the Rosh HaAyin symphony. For his audition, he performed “Al Tashlicheni Le’et Zikna” (originally by Avihu Medina). Eitan delivered the song with delicate precision, controlling his voice beautifully, and at times, he evoked the style of the famous Israeli singer Shimi Tavori. It was an excellent performance.
Eden responded emotionally:
“I was so moved by you and also by the message of your song – seeing the other person. You touched my heart and truly made me happy.”
Itay added:
“We were all touched by your performance. Your voice and your vocal quality belong among the greats of Israeli music – Shimi Tavori and Yishai Levi. Not everyone can handle those high registers and sound so good.”
All judges voted in favor. Eitan received 92% and advances to the next round.
“HaKokhav HaBa” for Eurovision
Ahead of Eurovision 2026, the Israeli national broadcaster decided to continue its collaboration with Keshet 12 in selecting the next Israeli representative for the contest. This partnership between the broadcaster and Keshet has brought Israel seven consecutive qualifications to the Grand Final, highlighted by Netta Barzilai’s victory with the song “Toy”, which brought Eurovision to Israel.
We’ll be here throughout the entire season, reporting on all the latest news, updates, and predictions – stay tuned!
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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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Tal Dahan – Journalist, radio broadcaster, and Eurovision content creator.
Tal Dahan is an Israeli journalist and editor specializing in the Eurovision Song Contest, working with the EuroMix editorial team for four years. Since 2022, she has provided regular on-site coverage of Eurovision from the host city, and from 2023 has also reported directly from the press room—offering the Israeli audience live updates, exclusive interviews, and in-depth commentary.
Tal is a member of the Eurovision tribute and parody band “EuroFalsh,” a radio broadcaster, and a student of political science and communications.
She is considered one of Israel’s leading young Eurovision experts. In addition to covering the main contest, Tal has reported from Eurovision pre-parties and national selection events across Europe (in Thessaloniki, Stockholm, Madrid, and more), been interviewed by major media outlets in Israel and internationally, and presented Eurovision-themed podcasts and radio shows.
