Agam Hazan is the fourteenth contestant to bid farewell to HaKokhav HaBa. 7 contestants remain in the race, including Michael HarPaz, Alona Erez, Nave Levi, and Noam Bettan. Full recap of Episode 29.
In 9 days, the grand finale of “HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision 2026” will take place, featuring four finalists. The winner of the competition will represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, which will be held in Vienna, Austria, on May 12th, 14th, and 16th.
8 contestants remain in the competition so far, but by the end of tonight’s episode, only the top 7 will continue.
The episode aired this evening was the second of two in the Shlomo Artzi special, in which each contestant chose a song by one of Israel’s leading singers, who also represented the country at Eurovision 1975 with his song “At VaAni“. During the episode, the show’s judges performed Shlomo Artzi’s song “Lo Ozev Et Ha’Ir”. Toward the end of the episode, singer Amir Benayoun joined the judging panel, replacing Itay Levi, who had to leave early. Benayoun closed the show with a live performance of “Takhat Shmei Yam HaTikhon”.
The two contestants who received the lowest scores of the night faced elimination, and the judging panel was tasked with choosing which of the two would be eliminated.
Michael HarPaz
Michael HarPaz chose to perform the song “Tagidi”. This performance proved that he can sing almost anything and make it sound incredible. The song, one of the most emotional pieces by Shlomo Artzi, felt as though it could have been his own. It was a heartfelt rendition that left no one indifferent — there was magic in his voice. Still unknown if it’s Eurovision material, but as a singer? A singer born to sing.
Itay said:
“You possess remarkable wisdom, on a very high level. I feel great pride in you — God is showing you grace”.
Keren said:
“Every year, meteor-like names appear, and you came as one of them. Gradually, you’re becoming the dark horse of this show. In my opinion, you’re the season’s biggest surprise. You managed to deliver the lyrics without changing the melody — it was a brilliant arrangement”.
Shiri said:
“I didn’t expect him to come to this show, but he found the courage. When Michael takes the stage, you can feel his experience and maturity. I heard every sentence and every intention of yours”.
All five judges voted in his favor. Michael received 90%, setting the bar for the next contestant — hoping they score lower.
Alona Erez
Alona Erez chose to perfrom the song “Gever Holekh LeIbud”. Shlomo noted that it was the first time he had ever heard a woman perform this song, adding that Alona brought depth and understanding only she could convey. Alona continues to prove, time after time, that age is just a number – but something in this performance didn’t quite click. Still, there’s no doubt she’s an exceptional vocalist, even if this wasn’t her strongest moment, she’s a singer capable of going very far – perhaps the farthest of them all.
Assaf said:
“Many of the things already said here are things I would have said too, but you sang beautifully. Your musicality is wonderful. I heard the music, and it was very pleasant to my ears”.
Keren said:
“Maybe it’s because I’m close to Shlomo’s songs, but you need to bring a different interpretation. I felt you didn’t bring your personal connection to the song”.
Shiri said:
“My problem was your connection to the song. It was simply too big for you – it wasn’t strong enough”.
Four judges voted against her, Assaf voted in her favor. Alona received 43%, and stands at risk of elimination.
Agam Hazan
Agam Hazan chose to perform the song “Alash” (Moroccan-Arabic word for “Why”, originally performed with Shimon Buskila). She proved once again that she is far from being a one-style singer. From the moment she began to sing, the performance was mesmerizing — there was something completely different here from anything Agam had done so far. The song’s atmosphere was chilling, and her voice? Wow. Where have these abilities been all along? It’s a pity they’ve only emerged at this stage. Well done, Agam.
Keren said:
“I love you so much, and I want to give you the respect by saying you’re not ready for Vienna yet — it would crush you. This performance continued your very beautiful streak, but it’s not yet for Vienna”.
Eden said:
“It was a mature performance, especially for your age. You managed to convey the deep bond between you and your mother — she entered it with you”.
Shiri said:
“You’re so young, and that’s always admirable — a wonderful performance”.
Assaf and Keren voted against her. Agam received 66% and sends Michael to the Top 7.
Nave Levi
Nave Levi chose to perform the song “Yareach”. What a unique combination — one of the most distinctive singers in the group performing one of Shlomo’s most beautiful and special songs. Nave has the rare ability to take almost any song and make it his own. This rendition was so different and so moving, his voice is extraordinary. He has a profound connection to the song — you can hear it in every word without needing to ask. Wow, Nave, you nailed it. A perfect song choice. Amir Benayoun joined the judging panel, replacing Itay Levi, who had to leave early.
Assaf said:
“I wonder where this is going because you confused me. Now I’m curious — I want to know what your DNA is”.
Amir said:
“He’s a great singer. In my opinion, this kind of song you can sing again only in ten years. It sounded like Zohar Argov singing Shlomo Artzi. I loved it on one hand, but on the other, I felt you could’ve taken it more toward your own style”.
Eden said:
“I want to say something — we’ve found your musical style. In the past, you tried high notes and trills, but look how beautiful it is when you don’t try too hard”.
Shiri said:
“The clear conclusion is that you don’t need to go for the obvious”.
All five judges voted in his favor. Nave received 90%, and advanced to the Top 7.
Noam Bettan
Noam Bettan chose to perform the song “Latet VeLakachat” (originally performed with Dudu Tassa). He is undoubtedly one of the leading vocalists in the competition. Even such an eternal classic by Shlomo Artzi sounded as though it were his own. A distinctive voice, an engaging presence — that’s almost the whole story. Noam is a remarkable singer, truly deserving of representing Israel at the Eurovision. Will it happen? Time will tell. But for now — wow, Noam. Simply wow.
Assaf said:
“It’s a matter of taste. It’s hard for me to buy into it. I know you’re an amazing singer — the pleasantness here was a bit too pleasant for me”.
Amir said:
“It sounded like your own song”.
Keren said:
“When Noam first arrived, I was in shock. You remind me of Amir Dadon. You’re the first contestant I’ve heard reach that kind of level — besides being incredibly handsome”.
Eden said:
“I want to tell you that this felt like a fresh breeze. Your smile while singing made me feel I could trust you”.
Shiri said:
“Some things can’t be taught — that’s charisma, that’s your ability to open hearts. You open your mouth, and I just smile”.
Four judges voted in his favor, Assaf voted against. Noam received 84%, and advanced to the Top 7.
After the judges’ desicision between Alona and Agam, Agam Hazan became the Fourteenth contestant eliminated from the show.
“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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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.
