Shiri Maimon and Lucy Ayoub join the race to host Eurovision 2019

Just a few days ago it was revealed that Tel Aviv would be hosting the forthcoming Eurovision 2019. But who will be showing us the city of Tel Aviv? Preparations for the contest have began and KAN has revealed a shortlist with their leading candidates for the presenters of Eurovision 2019. Previous rumors indicated that Erez Tal and Assi Azar would be hosting us in Tel Aviv. The new shortlist also includes Shiri Maimon, Geula Even Saar and Lucy Ayoub. According to a schedule published by Ynet, the host(s) are expected to be revealed in November. Let’s have a look potential hosts are!

Erez Tal

As previously reported, Erez Tal is one of the big names for hosting the upcoming Eurovision in Tel Aviv.

Erez Tal is one of the most experienced and famous TV and radio presenters in Israel. His work includes countless television shows including hosting the Israeli Big Brother between 2008 and 2017. This year, he served as a commentator for the final of the Eurovision Song Contest alongside Idit Hershkowitz.

Although he has not received an official proposal from KAN, the broadcaster has expressed their interest in Erez being the main host for the competition. Erez Tal himself has also expressed his interest in hosting the competition but his availability will depend on the approval of Keshet, the media company in which he works.

Shiri Maimon

Shiri Maimon is no stranger to the Eurovision world. The singer represented Israel back in 2005 with the song “Hasheket Shenish’ar” which placed 4th in the final, making it one of the best results of the country.

Shiri was a judge in The X Factor Israel for the first three seasons, before moving this year to HaKokhav HaBa (The Next Star), the show that serves as a Eurovision national selection for the country. Additionally, the singer has hosted several other shows, including the 2011 Israeli national selection. Besides that, the singer’s chances for hosting have increased massively due to her Broadway debut in the Chicago musical.

Lior Suchard

Lior Suchard is an Israeli mentalist and self-described “mystifier” who performs “supernatural entertainment”. In 2005, he appeared in The Successor (Israeli version of The Next Uri Geller). Since his participation on the show, he gained recognition not only in Israel but also in the United States. He has appeared in US talk shows such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno, The View, Good Morning America and The Late Late Show with James Corden.

Although he is in the shortlist of presenters, Lior is not very highly considered for hosting the competition in Tel Aviv.

Geula Even-Saar

Geula Evan-Saar is a radio and television personality and producer in Israel, mostly known for being a news anchor, initially for IBA, and later for KAN. Her other projects include producig Good Morning Israel and Journal.

Lucy Ayoub

Lucy Ayoub is another leading name for the female presenters. This year, she presented the jury results for Israel. However, it is not likely that KAN will give her the main host position but rather a position in the Green Room.

The upcoming events for Israel

A schedule was also revealed by Ynet with the upcoming events for Israel. Here is the schedule as published:

• November: Announcement of the hosts
• December: Sale of the first batch of tickets begins.
• February: Selection of the Israeli representative and song.
• Late March/April: Stage construction and first rehearsals, postcard filming in Israel.
• April/May: Arrival of delegations in Israel.
  
• May 9: Opening of the Eurovision Village
• May 14: Semi-final 1
• May 16: Semi-final 2
• May 18: Grand Final

Who would you like to see host the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 in Tel Aviv, Israel next May? Would you like to see Eurovision star Shiri Maimon or Erez Tal? Let us know in the comments below or on social media @ESCXTRA.