According to reports, Israel’s entry for Eurovision 2021, “Set Me Free”, will be revamped ahead of the contest. The song was selected as Eden Alene’s entry for Rotterdam back in January, winning the selection with 71.3% of the vote.
The song is expected to be released later this month, with recording of the new version already underway. This will be Eden’s second chance at representing Israel after she was set to represent the country at the 2020 contest with “Feker Libi”.
New version due to criticism
EuroMix reports that the decision was made to record a new version of “Set Me Free” after the quality of the song was criticised. Israeli broadcaster Kan approved the decision along with Eden’s record company Aroma Music.
The recording of the song is reportedly underway, with the hope that the song is ready to be submitted at the Head of Delegations meeting on 15th March. Kan has stated that they believe the EBU will give them permission to change the version of the song even after the deadline, like they did with their 2019 entry “Home”.
After the 2020 contest was cancelled last March, Kan announced that they would be inviting Eden Alene back to represent the nation at the 2021 contest – which has been the case with most acts this year.
Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest
Israel has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 41 times since making its debut in 1973. The country has won the contest four times (1978, 1979, 1998, 2018) and has hosted the contest three times (1979, 1999 and 2019).
Since the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, Israel has failed to reach the final six times. In 2005, Shiri Maimon gave the country its tenth top five result with “HaSheket SheNish’ar”, finishing fourth. Having failed to qualify for the final for four consecutive years (2011–2014), Israel reached the final with Nadav Guedj’s “Golden Boy” in 2015. Since Nadav’s ninth-place finish, Israel has qualified for every grand final.
Israel will compete in the second half of the first semi-final at the 2021 contest on 18th May in Rotterdam… and despite this year’s contest not even being underway yet, Israel has already confirmed their participation at the 2022 contest!
Are you looking forward to hearing the new version of “Set Me Free”? What are your hopes for Israel this year?
Let us know in the comments below and on social media @ESCXTRA.
