Twelve names made it to the next round of “The Next Star 2018”. Since 2015 Israel uses this show format to choose a singer, who will represent the country in the Eurovision Song Contest. The shows will be hosted by Assi Azar and Rotem Sela and will feature a judging panel composed of Asaf Amdursky, Keren Peles, Harel Skaat (2010 Israeli Eurovision entrant) and Static & Ben-El Tavori. The competition consists of twenty shows, which commenced on 29 October 2017 and will conclude in late February/early March 2018.
The remaining 12:
- Riki Ben Ari
- Jonathan Mergui
- Netta Barzilai
- Ravit Batashvili
- Chen Aharoni
- Sarit Hativa
- The Yamanz
- Eden Meiri
- José Steinberg
- Howie Danao
- Rinit Bar
- Adva Omer
Rinit Bar and Adva Omer got eliminated in the show, but the jury gave them a second chance so they got the wildcards.
Since Israel started using “The Next Star” in 2015, Nadav achieved the first Top 10 position for Israel since 2005 in 2015. Moreover, all entries since 2015 made it to the final of the Eurovision Song Contest.
The next heat of “The Next Star” will already be broadcasted on January 14/15. Stay tuned and follow ESCXTRA to find out, who will make it to the next round.
Last year Israel was represented by Imri Ziv, who was already backing singer for the Israeli entries in 2015 and 2016. Imri finished in 23rd place in the grand final of Kyiv.
Who would you like to see for Israel in Lisbon? Let us know in the comments below or on social media @ESCXTRA.
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