Nave Levi is the fifteenth contestant to bid farewell to HaKokhav HaBa. 6 contestants remain in the race, including Shira Zloof, Gal De Paz, and Michael HarPaz. Full recap of Episode 30.
Exactly next week, 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.
7 contestants remain in the competition so far, but by the end of tonight’s episode, only the top 6 will continue.
The judges did not vote “in favor” or “against” during the performances this time. Instead, they awarded each contestant a score ranging from 6 to 12 points at the end of their performance. The judges’ scores made up 50% of the total, while the audience’s votes comprised the remaining 50%. The two contestants with the lowest combined scores faced elimination — and the judging panel decided which of the two would be eliminated.
Michael HarPaz
Michael HarPaz chose to perform the song “Lose Control” (originally by Teddy Swims). The song has been performed many times on the show, yet Michael diverged from the original version and made it his own. The band significantly enriched the performance through harmonies, and as usual, Michael appeared comfortable on stage — moving freely and confidently, fully immersing himself in the song. However, it felt as though a “big moment” was missing during most of the performance, arriving only at the end.
Keren praised him:
“You have a masculine energy and confidence I haven’t seen on stage for a long time. You move, sing, and in Eurovision we love that kind of energy. I liked that you stepped out of your comfort zone, you know how to use your body, you gave it your all, and you’re more than worthy of being in the final — one of the best options to represent us at Eurovision”.
Assaf added:
“A great performance, but it has a boy-band vibe. That’s fine because that’s who you are — you’re not trying to be someone else. Could this work at Eurovision? I’m not sure it was 100% Eurovision, but it was 100% you”.
Keren, Eden and Assaf each gave 10 points, while Shiri and Itay awarded 8 points. In total, Michael received 46 out of 60.
Shaked Solomon
Shaked Solomon chose to perform the song “Brit Olam” (originally by Matti Caspi). It’s a moving and emotional song, and Shaked made it his own with a personal touch. His rendition was heartfelt, and the vocal ornamentations at the end of the song added to his unique signature style. However, this was not one of Shaked’s strongest performances in the competition, perhaps due to high expectations from Matti Caspi’s beautiful original.
Itay said:
“You’re the perfect example of what this format, HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision, is all about — your progress, your maturity, and your ability to understand, listen, learn, and perform. This was your best performance since the first time I heard you on the show”.
Shiri commented:
“There’s something very steady and clear about you — not flashy, and you’re one of the most consistent singers we have here. You move people emotionally, and sometimes that’s worth everything”.
Keren added cautiously:
“If you came to the show without the Eurovision element, you would win it. But with Eurovision, other factors come into play — whether it’s right for you or for the country”.
Itay gave 12 points, while Keren, Shiri, Eden, and Assaf each awarded 8 points. In total, Shaked received 44 out of 60.
Gal De Paz
Gal De Paz chose to perform the song “Proud Mary” (originally by Tina Turner). Gal decided to bring drag queens to the stage, adding even more color and vibrancy to her performance. It was clear that Gal thoroughly enjoyed herself — dancing freely to the upbeat song for the first time this season. It’s uncertain whether this is the musical direction she intends for Eurovision, but the performance was thoroughly enjoyable. She displayed excellent vocal ability and delivered exactly the kind of lively start the evening needed.
Keren said:
“Oh my God, you came to burn it down and leave no doubt you’re here to win. I trust you a million percent — you even made me question which romantic side I’m on. You represent women beautifully, and you’re going to bloom in Europe”.
Assaf added:
“That number was very complex. Visually, it was wow and fun, and the gimmick felt organic. You have that connection, but vocally it was problematic at first — you started off trying to be too proper, and the middle section didn’t quite fit you. Overall, though, I love you”.
Keren and Eden each awarded 12 points, Shiri gave 10, and Itay and Assaf gave 8. In total, Gal received 50 out of 60.
Alona Erez
Alona Erez chose to perform the song “idontwannabeyouanymore” (originally by Billie Eilish). From the very first frame, her Eurovision vision was clear — the modern dancers, the wide-screen cinematic framing, and Alona’s confident presence on stage despite her young age. She reached impressive high notes that showcased her vocal abilities. It would have been nice to see Alona join the choreography or add an unexpected twist during the performance, but we would be entirely at ease if she were chosen to represent Israel in the competition. She would be a worthy successor to Eden Golan and Yuval Raphael, likely in a similar musical style.
Keren commented:
“I’m not sure I would have chosen a number like this for Eurovision, but you performed it as best as anyone could. You delivered a classic performance — you’re gorgeous, poised, and with the right song and team, you could represent us at Eurovision right now”.
Assaf added:
“This performance was right down the middle. You completed the task, didn’t go off-key, and added cute mannerisms that hint at Eurovision style. Still, I didn’t hear a distinctive vocal stamp that clearly says this is an Alona Erez’s performance”.
Keren and Assaf each awarded 10 points, Eden gave 8, and Shiri and Itay gave 7. In total, Alona received 42 out of 60.
Nave Levi
Nave Levi chose to perform the song “Sipur Makhur” (originally by Maya Buskila). Nave’s recent bold song choices are well appreciated, and this time he even adapted the lyrics to fit masculine phrasing. The dancers elevated the performance one notch higher, though they occasionally drew attention away from him. Nave’s voice was pleasant and warm throughout the song, but it’s doubtful this would be the right choice for Eurovision. At the end of the performance, Nave admitted he had been singing with a throat infection.
Itay said:
“When I look at you, I go through my own timeline of memories and recall better and worse moments. This was not a good performance. The song choice could have reached great heights because it’s a complex song, and when you start your career, you must know how to bridge those gaps — the audience doesn’t care if you’ve had a rough day. But feel better”.
Assaf commented:
“I have no problem with the fact that you weren’t at 100% vocally, but nothing we saw here connects to Eurovision — in terms of song choice, appearance, or style”.
Keren and Assaf gave 8 points each, while Shiri, Eden, and Itay gave 7 points. In total, Nave received 37 out of 60.
Noam Bettan
Noam Bettan chose to perform the song “Someone You Loved” (originally by Lewis Capaldi). Noam finally decided to sing in English (aside from his previous duet with Gal De Paz) and revealed that he had studied four units of English in school. Although English isn’t his native language, he has clearly worked on his accent since his last English performance, and it sounded noticeably better. The performance resembled a studio recording — almost suspiciously polished, as if some vocal effects had been added. His pitch was precise, but the performance itself lacked something distinctive and sounded very similar to the original.
Eden said:
“When I look at you, I see everything — an amazing vocal tone with rasp and grit, virtuosity, storytelling, stage presence, looks — you’ve got it all”.
Shiri added:
“You’re a phenomenal singer. You know how to take a song and make it your own. You’ve got that wonderful rasp, and you know how to sustain songs. But at your level, I’d expect you to spice this one up a little”.
Itay commented:
“I get nervous that you might fall into nonchalance. You’re a professional, but you could have taken this performance four levels higher”.
Keren and Eden each awarded 12 points, Shiri and Itay gave 10, and Assaf gave 8. In total, Noam received 52 out of 60.
Shira Zloof
Shira Zloof chose to perform the song “Million Years Ago” (originally by Adele), a challenging song to sing — especially as she woke up that morning without a voice and could barely speak. Naturally, the performance didn’t sound as strong as it could have, but Shira gave her all within her limitations, and the judges were even impressed by some of the moments shaped by her hoarseness. Her voice returned in bursts throughout the performance, creating a haunting and emotional experience. Shira has a rare ability to convey emotion so deeply that the performance left no eye dry. Everyone — from the judges to the hosts — witnessed an incredible act of perseverance and strength.
Eden said:
“Your throat may have been hoarse, but your intention, meaning, message, character, and energy — all of it was pure and full of substance. Everything was raw and cutting, and you amaze me. You’re a real fighter, and this brought out something in you I hadn’t noticed the entire season”.
Shiri added:
“My whole body activated for this event called Shira Zloof. You realized you don’t need to be afraid — when you stopped fearing, an amazing voice came out of you. When you breathed in the right moments during the performance, your tone shone, and when you panicked, your voice cracked. This was your best performance of the entire season”.
Keren, Shiri, Eden, and Itay each awarded 12 points, while Assaf gave 10 points. In total, Shira received 58 out of 60.
After adding the audience’s scores, the bottom two consisted Nave Levi and Shaked Solomon. in a majority of 3:2 judges, Nave Levi became the Fifteenth contestant eliminated from the show – recieving Assaf and Keren’s votes. Against Itay, Eden and Shiri’s voted for keeping Shaked.
“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!
Follow us on Instagram | YouTube | TikTok | Twitter
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.
Email: [email protected]
Phone: +972-50-9441919
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.
