Barely a week has passed since radio 88FM’s music editors were assigned with the task of finding an artist for Israel in Eurovision, and it seems like they’ve already got their candidate. Today they declared that Marina Maximilian Blumin, a singer-songwriter who rose to fame through the music reality show “Kokhav nolad” (“A star is born”), is their number 1 choice for the job. Twenty-seven-year-old Marina sings mostly jazz, but don’t let that scare you. Her music is all about beautiful, catchy melodies and creating an enchanting atmosphere.
Marina participated on the fifth season of Kokhav Nolad and ended up in second place behind Boaz Mauda, Israel’s Eurovision representative in 2008. Since Boaz brought Israel its best result in 8 years, having something in common with him can do only good for the extremely beautiful and talented Marina!
Now it’s Marina’s turn to think it over and decide whether she’s in for a Eurovision adventure. Radio 88FM has already approached her through her agency Teddy productions, and now we can just wait. In case Marina isn’t be interested, the station has a back up plan. Its second choice is actress and singer Esther Rada, and its third choice is the internationally successful singer Asaf Avidan.
Radio 88fm has done some amazing research in a short amount of time, because all signs point to success with Marina. She has always been one of the most popular artists on the Eurovision wishlist of many Israeli fans. She’s one of the few artists who can actually make music in English, and she does it very well. She has a strong voice, she’s sexy, she loves the stage and the stage loves her. You can see a living proof of this here, where she sings a funky cover version of Israel’s 2005 entry “Hasheket shenishar” (and you really need to watch it, because Shiri Mimon is also there, dancing and having fun to her own song).
Dana International, who’s considered a Eurovision-guru in Israel, said in 2013 that if there’s anyone at all who can represent Israel abroad, then it’s Marina. Dana herself is one of Marina’s favorite artists, and she was inspired and influenced by her as a musician.
Radio 88fm’s choice reflects a certain change in policy. Marina’s name was mentioned before in a Eurovision context, but the former IBA CEO Moti Shkalar determined that only artists who served at the Israeli army (as all Israeli citizens are obliged to do) can represent the country. Since Marina did not serve in the army, her name was always rejected. Now that a new authority has got the power, the rules are apparently becoming more flexible and liberal.
Even though a choice of an artist has been made, Israel’s participation in Eurovision 2015 is still unsure. Israel has confirmed preliminary participation in Eurovision, but can still withdraw later without penalty. According to the IBA’s chief editor Jonah Viezenthal, it’s still unclear whether Israel will have the financial ability to participate. But still, the fact Marina was already approached with this offer makes us optimistic.
Photo: Vogue.it
I like it! To be honest, I thought Israel would withdraw and as a result of that, Lebanon would have débuted.
Reminders me of a cross between Anouk and Celine Dion xD Hope she agrees to represent!
I like her songs. She reminds me a slight bit of Anouk, except more atmospheric and innovative. A very good choice on Radio 88FM’s part.
Why doesn’t Israel send another Mizrachi singer like they did with Boaz? Why not Dudu Aharon or Omer Adam?? I think that between their song writing talents, their voices and their stage presence, Israel would have a legitamite chance to win.
Sorry, 2005
I want to see Shiri back. What does it mean, that Bo’az brought them their best result for 8 years. Shiri came 4th in 2004.
@Branko You mean Chen Aaroni, he came 4th on season 5 of Kohav Nolad in which Boaz came 1st and Marina Maximilian came 2nd. BTW he also went to The Voice UK and even passed the blind audition, but he broke the confidentiality clause by blabbing about it in the Israeli media, so they disqualified him and cut him out of the show. He’s not a big success in Israel but I guess he’s doing OK. Pretty sure he’d be interested in ESC, apart from taking part in the 2011 Kdam he also submitted a song for the internal selection… Read more »
One more question… any male artist from Israel interested in the contest maybe? I liked that song from Kdam 2011 “Or” and the artist was in X Factor UK… is he popular or maybe interested in ESC? Or any other male artist?
I liken Riff Cohen and Emily Karpel also.
But Marino sounds cool.
Let the Israel win! 🙂
Wow she’s amazing. With a good song, she could definitely earn my 12 points this year.
@Branko She won the first season of The Voice Israel two years ago, but hasn’t done much since. I find her quite mediocre, her vocal abilities are subpar and she tries to compensate for that by screaming the high notes.
What about that woman who was in NF 2013, but then declined to take part in NF… I think her name was Kathleen Reiter or so (she sang a French song or so?)… ?
Is she famous or would she like to take part again? Anyone knows…?
I’ll have to hear the song before I cheer (not to mention Marina needs to accept first AND it’s not certain whether Israel would take part at all) but on paper she’s a great choice, as are the two runner-ups.
She would need a song and presentation as strong as “euphoria” to qualify … I think Israel are wasting their time in the contest … People simply won’t vote for them ..
Song ‘SILENCE’ please <3
If she accepts, I will cheer for them. Two DIVAs in a row Israel, that will be fantastic! 🙂