Eurovision 2022 is only one month behind us, but Israel is hastily making preparations for Eurovision 2023. National broadcaster KAN has announced that the artist will be selected internally for 2023, for the first time since 2014.
Plans put in place for Israel
In a post on Twitter, the Israeli broadcaster announced the process of how next year’s artist will be selected.
A select committee made up of nine people that reflect the broader Israeli society will be used to determine the artist and song for 2023. As well as this, the committee will also have extensive experience in the world of culture and music to ensure that the entry is properly representative of Israeli culture.
In total, the committee will be formed of KAN’s director of its music stations, two music editors with professional experience in selecting songs, two professional representatives from the corporation’s television division, as well as four external representatives from the world of culture and music.
Changing strategies
A shift in strategies, the 2023 Contest will be the first time that Israel will select internally since 2014. The last time an artist was chosen internally was Mei Finegold – with a three-song national final determining her song to be “Same Heart”. However, at the close of voting, she finished 14th in a field of 15.
Since 2014, IBA and KAN have used Hakakhov HaBa and the X Factor as a format for selecting its Eurovision entry. Following the switch to a national final, Israel maintained a qualification streak from 2015 to 2021. Michael Ben David, who represented the nation in 2022, ended the run by finishing in 13th place in the second semi-final.
Israel’s Eurovision journey
Israel has a long and wealthy history in the Eurovision Song Contest, making their debut in 1973 with Ilanit and “Ey Sham”. Their first entry scored 97 points, placing 4th. Israel has since gone on to win the Contest on four separate occasions – in 1978, 1979, 1998 and 2018.
Michael Ben David represented Israel in Turing during the Eurovision Song Contest 2022 with the song “I.M.”. At the close of voting, Israel finished in 13th place, scoring 61 points and therefore, not qualifying for the final.
What do you make of KAN’s decision? Do you think this move will help get Israel back into the final next year? Who would you like to see represent the country? As always, let us know what you think by commenting below. Also, be sure to follow ‘That Eurovision Site’ on Facebook, Instagram and Twitter for all things Israel at Eurovision 2023!
News Source: KAN
Photo Credit: EBU / Corinne Cumming
Tim J