Yesterday the Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — travelled to Israel and took in the sights along the Tel Aviv promenade. As we basked in the warm sun, we discussed Hovi Star’s song “Made of Stars”. Did we enjoy his ode to heavenly bodies? Or did it send us crashing back to Earth? Read on to find out!
Hovi Star with “Made of Stars”
“Made of Stars” reviews
Bogdan: Take note, Europe. This is how you save a meh song, with days to spare before the deadline. Israel had a rock that was sinking to the bottom of my top 43, and they polished it into a diamond that is shining like a star. Hovi’s voice is better highlighted and hopefully a killer performance will help Israel make it to the final again. “Made Of Stars” deserves to do at least as well as “Golden Boy”, if not better.
Score: 8/10
Bernardo: Enough to say that the first version of “Made of Stars” was 35th on my top. The revamp? Top 10! This is a definition of greatness in revamp history of Eurovision. An orchestral and powerful arrangement that can only be supported with a strong voice like Hovi’s. It’s a grower — I can see people voting for it in the semi-final and even more people in the final. Yes, Hovi! You hypnotise me and you’re going to hush every single voice in Globe Arena.
Score: 9/10
Angus: If this is made of stars they’re pretty dull ones. Hovi has a promising voice, but this faux Adele production is boring. The central hook is repeated over, and over, and over again without any clarity on message or vocal progression. This is a filler track at best.
Score: 3/10
William C: Ha’Kokha HaBa L’Eirovizion was rather strong this year, unfortunately in the national final, Hovi was my last place. I found Nofar’s version of “Made of Stars” was a thousand times better. However, with one of the most noticeable revamps of 2016, Hovi has immensely improved the song, turning it into a way more dramatic piece, something that is not too common this year. A fantastic power ballad with a fantastic vocalist to back it up will make sure this will be in the final, and I sure hope it will be there.
Score: 7/10
Chris: Oh dear. I really liked the original version of “Made of Stars”, which felt like it had a real sense of drama behind it. This revamped attempt loses a lot of the soul that made the song feel original and like it was meant for Hovi. To me, this is incredibly hollow and completely negates Hovi’s presence as a performer.
Score: 4.5/10
Deban: Shalom, it’s a new dawn! The star from Israel has revamped his entry, ushering in a new wave of positive critical reception. The remastered version speaks a much broader language, starting off mellow before building into a symphonic anthem. A team that listens is a team that deserves to do well. The Israeli delegation deserve special mention for engaging with fans and the media. I am confident that Hovi Star will slay Stockholm with a great song, and unforgettable fashion moments.
Score: 9/10
Forrest: What once was a lacklustre ballad is now a soaring orchestral anthem which showcases Hovi’s strong vocals much more effectively than its predecessor. Lyrically, the song is moving and powerful. The benefit of an orchestral scoring is that the lyrics become the focal point rather than an accessory and that approach works perfectly. Additionally, the production is top notch and the music video is a work of art in itself. To my delight, this song also reinforces, much like 2015’s “A Monster Like Me”, that there is still a place for classical sounds at Eurovision.
Score: 7.5/10
William: An R&B ballad with a classical sensibility, “Made of Stars” almost feels symphonic. Hovi Star’s rich, melodic voice carries this well, creating something deeply emotional and stirring. Slick and simple production maintain the purity of his voice and the melody, and the bridge does what a bridge should do — it adds dynamism and drive. The final minute is easily the most anthemic of the year. The revamp was a triumph.
Score: 9/10
Max: “Made of Stars” has been transformed into an enchanting slow-burner of a song with an anthemic feel. It builds so gradually, however, that I worry many viewers will have switched off by the time the song takes off around the two minute mark. On the other hand, if Hovi can deliver a flawless vocal performance and conjure up a magical atmosphere, this could strongly appeal to juries and score very well in Stockholm.
Score: 7.5/10
Padraig: Hovi Star is a star. That’s not up for debate. Alas, his Eurovision entry is not star material. We’re repeatedly told that we are all made of stars. Surely that’s a positive thing? Yet, Hovi sings in such a morose manner that I start to wonder. Are stars a metaphor for something less glamorous? Are we really just made of tin foil? At the Israeli selection, it was clear that the song was not fit for purpose. But with the revamp, it’s as if the producers saw Sam Smith’s success and decided to hop on the bandwagon. I’d rather Hovi be Hovi, because we really don’t need a second Sam.
Score: 4.5/10
Robyn: I really liked the original version of “Made of Stars”, especially the dark, edgy energy that Hovi brought to the live performance. And yes, I was so disappointed that the entry was turned into a gentle ballad. But while it’s no long a favourite of mine, there’s still a good song in there (and that weird key change!), and Hovi has what it takes to deliver it with emotion and strength.
Score: 6/10
Kristin: For some reason, I’m completely mesmerised by Hovi and this song. Granted, it doesn’t reach the epic status of “Golden Boy” because this is a totally different genre — I fear that it might get lost in the competition itself. But for me, “Made of Stars” is a subtle masterpiece. It’s actually giving me goosebumps, just like Elnur and “Hour of the Wolf” did last year. I might be flying solo here, but I don’t care. I love this song, and I love Hovi. Simple as that.
Score: 9/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 40 jurors but only have room for 12 reviews. The remaining 28 scores are below.
Anthony: 6/10
Antranig: 1/10
Cristian: 5/10
David: 4.5/10
Dayana: 7/10
Denise: 4/10
Diego: 7/10
Edd: 9/10
George: 7/10
Gökhan: 3.5/10
Jason: 8/10
Josh: 6.5/10
Judit: 7/10
Liam: 5/10
Luis: 7.5/10
Marek: 4/10
Maria: 5/10
Mario: 4.5/10
Mike: 3.5/10
Mikhail: 4.5/10
Patrick: 8/10
Renske: 7/10
Rezo: 5/10
Sami: 9/10
Sinan: 7.5/10
Steinunn: 6.5/10
Tobias: 4/10
Zakaria: 1/10
The highest and lowest scores are dropped prior to calculating the average score. This is to remove outliers and reduce potential bias. We have removed a low of 1 and a high of 9.
At least this year “judge” Ramadn didnt participate in the jury…. thnx god.
Can somedoy explane to me Zakaria test of music? for good songs he gives 1 point and bad songs (like geogia, romania) gives a 9? WTF_K?
The revamp made it better and he is good life. 7/10
This song is my winner 2016.
10/10
The song itself has been hugely improved through the revamp and is not the mess that it once was. Still, there is not a lot going on until that final minute so it leaves Hovi with a lot to do in order to carry the song. Through the live performances that I have seen so far, he is more than capable of doing this and that last minute, wow! This is a real dark horse entry this year and a guaranteed finalist for me. Made of Stars has some serious star power!
7.5/10
7/10
Slightly above NNM. The vocals are good, adjusts to the gradual build-ups throughout the song, especially at the key change. Glad this got a revamp and got it right, unlike some others (*cough* *cough* Albania *cough*)
I agree that this is revamp of the decade.
One of the best songs this year, if not the best.
This is definitely more of a grower. At first I thought it was a bit meh, but the more I listen the more I enjoy it. It’s definitely a good ballad and Hovi has the voice to carry it. I hope he has the chutzpah to diva this up on the night!
Good luck Israel!
At first I didn’t think this new version was any better, but it grew on me immensely. Now I listen to it every day, over and over again. My top 3 at the moment.
Also, I’m enjoying all of Hovi’s drag references! Hovitches, or Hovibitches, I don’t mind either way! Serve it bitches!
Face, face, beauty face! 🙂
He really reminds me of Adore Delano! (in a completely great way!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ki2xs8y5u9M
I adore this song! And i agree with Kristin that this song resembles last year’s Azerbaijani song (which was my winner). I really hope Israel will qualify, good luck Hovi!
The live version at Eurovision in Concert was brilliant. I completely agree with the other reviewers on the positive changes to the song made by Hovi and the Israeli delegation. Hovi also seems really endearingly down to earth, and has brought so much fun to the pre-ESC, along with Barei. This friendly charm will hopefully come through in the song/staging as much as possible. The song itself is also endearing and could move people to vote Hovi — but, as others have commented, the hook is a little weak and the song ends low rather than high — I’d like… Read more »
Lucky for Israel to be in the second semifinal because they could be 9th or 10th in the best occasion.
Overrated in some comments.
I don’t know why but I don’t like the singer and the song neither. Last year Israel was one of my favorites
I love hovi ! Best singer by far 10/10 .
Hovi is a great singer and a funny guy but this doesn’t compensate for the song. It has a nice message but a weak hook, in fact I struggle to find any hook in this song.
Currently I rank “Made of Stars” 38 of 43.
7/10
14/43
Initially I did not like it but it has since grown after every listen. Good calming song, decent singer, although I still cannot get over how he sings a little off beat for my liking. Shame.
I really enjoyed his first version of the song. The revamp just emptied it of all its energy, now it’s just flat… Not bad, but not great. End of the scoreboard, if it qualifies.
Israel will surprise this year and get a good result 🙂
Simply beautiful. The most emotional song this year. From the first second to the last I just get lost in this. I’m really hoping this succeeds from the jury vote, but I can see people voting for this. Israel always brings it!
Also like it. Heard it life. For me this song is better than Spain or Malta. He has beautiful voice and singing with soul. Song is full of emotions. Not bomb maybe. But really good. I would rank it maybe around 7 5 – 8. Wish Hovi and Israel good luck!
our lowest was a 1/10 … not a 3.5 .. WTF???? that should be dropped
“We have removed a low of 3.5”, but Zakaria gave it a 1?
The Eurovision field is so top heavy this year- there’s a lot of bad acts, but there’s also a ton of great acts, and I honestly feel the contender field is a good 20 songs deep. “Made of Stars” is almost as polarizing as the field itself. There’s elements of the song that are fairly bland, but then you get to that chorus, which can just give you goosebumps, and with the right effects is going to absolutely slay on the big night. Hovi’s got the charisma to make it work, but to win I think he’s going to need… Read more »
The revamp really made wonders. It’s a grower for me. So far I give it 6.5/10
Israel will definitely qualify this year, worldclass singer
and really gets a sympathy vote i think, by the public 🙂
Jury score 6.09???? This song isn’t that bad.
As quirky, perky, bubbly and diva-ish Hovi is, this is not a personality contest and the worst part is that Hovi had no leverage nor choice but accept a song which was definitely not intended for him to begin with. Even if this is a remarkable revamp given the fact his team was running out of time, it is not in the spirit of the cheeky and liberated Hovi. The dissonance between his style and the clichee lyrics is unbearable. It’s a load of baloney and I don’t care how much Hovi’s voice is nuanced, fruity or gravelly: the song… Read more »
I may be in the overwhelming minority but for me the revamp took this from being a decent song to an awful one!
People only like this song because it’s Israel and nothing more tbh. I’d this was representing Ireland it would be every ones bottom 5 no question, because it’s Israel everyone is like “This should do well but it won’t qualify because it’s Israel huh huh huh” It won’t qualify because the song is like Angus said filler with no heart or charm to it. At least the usual Israel loving fandom have ready made excuses.
Molitva?
The one good thing I can say about this entry, is that Hovi has a great voice. On most other accounts, very little about this song appeals to me, even after the re-vamp. And I certainly don’t see it qualifying. 2,5/10
I know this is very good, but i find it so boring and lackluster. It only grabs my attention in the last minute, and if the recap part isn’t in that part he will fail for sure. I also hate the bridge.
4.5/10
This song is underrated. I mean, the first version was good, but this? This is incredible. He has the best voice in the contest, no competition, and he’s a very genuine and fun dude. This needs to qualify. Can’t wait to see the staging, I hope he brings drones.
I love Hovi, his personality is great & his hair is crazy good.
The revamp was good but still the song is another lame ballad with cringeworthy lyrics and a dull singer. This song doesn’t bring anything special to Eurovision and therefore it should stay in semi final. If it qualifies in the expense of something like Georgia, then this whole contest should end immediately…
Forgot my vote:
4/10 on his singing voice alone, song doesn’t suit him though and Hovi is trying too hard.
I just cannot like this song, I’ve listened to it loads of times to try and understand what people like about it but it’s just not happening.
The song goes nowhere for me, it’s bland, boring, hardly original and would never chart in a mainstream music chart outside of ESC. Hobo also seems fake in his delivery, there is something plastic about him.
Israel should not qualify this year. Imo it’s being overhyped for nothing.
8.5/10
Revamp of the decade. Nothing else to say.
No, please, this song is not that good, it’s just boring… nothing to say about Hovi, but the song is a real mess
“We have removed a low of 3.5 and a high of 10” So 2 problems with that. a) Angus gave it 3, thus that should be removed, not the 3.5, also considering no 10’s are actually visible yet I don’t doubt they exist, you may want to fix up the apparent 1’s Antranig & Zakaria gave the song. On another note, I really do like this song and hope to god this isn’t another case of Israel being criminally underrated in the semi’s again with a really strong song (Mei was my favourite in 2014 and it pains me to… Read more »
Hope Israel will fail this year.