We asked Israel’s Eurovision entry Netta Barzilai a few questions ahead of her trip to Lisbon, Portugal.
Israel’s national selection can be noted as quite a long process. Their selection for Eurovision’s 63rd edition of the song contest kicked off last year on October 29 for the opening auditions.
The song competition HaKokhav HaBa L’Eurovizion (“The Next Star for Eurovision”) would determine which act would represent Israel at Eurovision. It was originally called Rising Star until the name change in 2015.
Just like Sweden, Norway and Denmark – Israel does take Eurovision very seriously by making sure they send out a strong performer.
It’s been nearly 20 years since Israel last won the competition when Dana International represented the country with her song “Diva” when the event was hosted in Birmingham in the United Kingdom.
But this year could end their 20-year drought when the grand final takes place on Saturday, May 12.
Netta won the right to represent Israel back in February for her song “Toy”.
Since the music video was released early in March it has become the most viewed 2018 Eurovision entry from the song contest’s official YouTube channel.
Netta’s song is finishing top in a majority of online polls. There is no doubt Netta is currently the favourite to win Israel’s fourth Eurovision crown come May 12.
Here at ESCplus we were able to ask the Israeli a few questions during her busy preparations.
With Netta being the bookmaker’s favourite, the singer was not expecting such a successful response, she said: “I knew we were making something unique and different, but never in a million years did I think the song and the video-clip would get such a strong positive response.
“It’s like opening the cupboard and waking up in Narnia. One day, the song is yours and the next day its everyone’s.”
For all the performers, they will be spending long hours while in Lisbon to get the song and staging right but Netta is looking forward to meeting the fans and fellow acts during her stay in Lisbon.
Netta added: “I’m looking forward to meeting all the other contestants, the amazing fan base and all the different colourful people from around Europe.”
Meanwhile, most of the Eurovision community can only guess what to expect from the stage performances on the nights of the semi-finals and the grand final.
Netta had no intention to reveal any clues ahead of her appearance in the first semi-final on May 8, she said: “I can’t revile anything that would happen on stage, but I can promise surprises!”
Israel and Netta have an exciting time ahead of them with just a month remaining before the 25-year-old takes to the stage and bids to win the Eurovision Song Contest. And if that was to be the result on the night of the grand final, her life could become very different.
You can find our full Q&A with Netta below…
ESCplus: How does it feel to represent your nation at Eurovision?
NB: I feel honoured and excited to represent my country.
ESCplus: You are currently the bookies favourite to win the contest. How does that make you feel?
NB: I knew we were making something unique and different, but never in a million years did I think the song and the Video-clip would get such a strong positive response.
ESCplus: Describe your feelings when finding out ‘Toy’ went viral…
NB: It’s like opening the wardrobe and waking up in Narnia. One day, the song is yours and the next day its everyone’s.
ESCplus: As well as performing on the stage during Eurovision, is there anything else you are looking forward to doing while in Lisbon?
NB: I’m looking forward to meeting all the other contestants, the amazing fan base and all the different colourful people from around Europe.
ESCplus: Any hints to your fans on what to expect from your stage performance?
NB: I can’t reveal anything that would happen on stage, but I can promise surprises!
ESCplus: Can you tell us about your special way of performing? What’s a looping artist? Which abilities does it require?
NB: The looper is a mobile recording device which allows me to record my voice, several times in a loop until a playback is formed. It requires musicality in order to form harmonies to your own vocals, as well as coordination and originality- thinking outside the box.
ESCplus: What got you into music in the first place?
NB: I think music chooses you. I’ve been doing music ever since I can remember myself.
ESCplus: When did you realise you could make this as a serious career?
NB: Last week 😊
ESCplus: It’s been exactly 20 years since Dana International won Eurovision. Did you watch the 1998 show that night?
NB: I was five years old at that time and living in Nigeria, so no 😊
ESCplus: Finally, as well as your song – what is your favourite ever Eurovision song?
NB: Izhar Cohen’s “A-ba-ni-bi”
ESCplus: Thanks and good luck!
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