After months and months of auditions, preparation, elimination shows, duels and performances, we finally have our name for Israel in 2018! Netta Barzilai has just been crowned as the winner of HaKokhav HaBa!
The performer wowed audiences and the judges in The Next Star with her unique uses of sampling, beatbox and live looping of her voice, although it is unsure how this type of performance would work with regard to EBU rules on the contest’s performances.
The four finalists – Jonathan Mergui, Chen Aharoni, Riki Ben Ari and Barzilai – all performed for the judges and public, with the top two automatically qualifying. Surprisingly, it was Barzilai who was saved from elimination, being saved over Chen Aharoni.
In the final round, each act performed once more;
- Riki Ben Ari performed “Total Eclipse of the Heart”
- Jonathan Mergui performed “When I Was Your Man”
- Netta Barzilai performed a medley of “TiK ToK” and “Gangnam Style”
After a combination of jury voting and televoting, Netta was chosen as the Israeli representative and will therefore travel to Lisbon to represent her country. It is not yet known how the entry will be chosen for Lisbon, although it is likely there will be an internal selection shortly.
#YOU can watch her performances and all other performances from the show HERE.
What do #YOU think of Israel’s choice? Share your thoughts with us on our forum HERE or join the discussion below and on social media!
