Israel’s Eurovision 2026 representative, Noam Bettan, held his first rehearsal in Vienna with the song “Michelle”. Stay tuned for all updates from Austria.
The moment fans had been waiting for has arrived: Noam Bettan stepped onto the Eurovision 2026 stage in Vienna, Austria, for his first rehearsal with the song “Michelle“! The performance delivers a surprising concept, featuring a massive on-stage prop that could reshape expectations – and potentially bring Israel its fifth victory in the contest’s history.
Noam Bettan is set to perform 10th in the first semi-final on May 12th, where he will compete for a place in the Grand Final against strong contenders such as Finland, widely considered a leading favorite, and powerhouse Sweden.
Israel’s First Rehearsal: More Details
At the center of the stage stands “The Diamond” – a spectacular and enormous stage prop, reportedly the largest used in the entire Eurovision 2026 production. Bettan opens “Michelle” enclosed inside the structure alongside a single dancer, creating an intimate and hypnotic atmosphere within the vast arena in Vienna. The transition from tense stillness inside the diamond to an explosion of energy across the stage redefines expectations from the Israeli delegation this year.
The Mirror Effect of “Michelle”
The visual climax arrives as an intricate system of internal mirrors within the diamond creates a striking duplication effect, echoing the aesthetic of the official music video. Viewers at home will see countless versions of “Michelle” on screen, as four additional dancers join Noam, transforming the stage into a vibrant display of motion and color. As the diamond continues to dominate the background, it is clear that unprecedented technical precision has gone into every camera angle and beam of light.
A Fusion of Leather, Silk, and Crystal
To complete the polished look, Bettan appears on stage wearing a black leather jacket over a luxurious silk shirt, paired with matching leather trousers. The delegation’s stylists explained that the fabric choices were designed to maximize light reflections from the crystal-like surfaces surrounding him, creating perfect visual harmony between the artist and his environment. The contrast between dark textures and shimmering reflections gives Noam a raw yet elegant stage presence that commands the camera’s attention.
Choreography and Vocal Power
The visual spectacle continues as one dancer leads Noam out of the diamond toward the front of the stage, where four additional dancers await. Dressed in leather jumpsuits in cream and burgundy tones, they create a strong contrast against Noam’s dark styling and the reflective set. Throughout the performance, they accompany him with complex choreography built on synchronized hand movements, maintaining high energy that fills the arena until the final note.
Alongside the visual show, Noam Bettan proves why he is considered one of the competition’s most promising vocalists, delivering a precise and emotionally charged performance. Performing 10th in the first semi-final is widely seen as a strategic and advantageous slot on the road to the Grand Final. The Israeli delegation, led by director Yoav Tsafir, did not hide their satisfaction with Bettan’s professionalism, as he commanded the massive stage from the very first note.
Will the combination of Noam’s powerful vocals and the innovative diamond effect be enough to bring the trophy back to Israel?
Israel at Eurovision 2026
“Michelle” is the song that will be performed by the singer Noam Bettan, who will represent Israel as song number 10 in the first semi final on May 12th, in Vienna, Austria. The song was written by the singer Yuval Raphael, Tslil Klifi, and Nadav Aharoni – three prominent figures in the Israeli music scene, with Yuval Raphael, who represented Israel in the previous Eurovision as a singer. The song “Michelle” is about choosing to break free from a toxic emotional cycle. It’s a story of growth and emotional maturity — a moment when the protagonist realizes they must let go and choose their new path on their own. The song is performed in Hebrew, English and French.
Currently, Israel is ranked 6th in the betting tables ahead of Eurovision 2026.
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.
