The Wiwi Jury — our in-house panel of music unprofessionals — comes to the end of ranking and reviewing the 43 songs competing in Eurovision 2018. Finally we head to Israel where loop-pedalist Netta Barzilai has “Toy”. Were we feeling her modern anthem? Read on to find out!
Netta – “Toy”
“Toy” reviews
Bernardo: Get your chicken carnival outfit out. It’s time to get freaky. When Netta won “Rising Star” I felt like Israel with the right song could do really well. I was proved right. While I don’t think “Toy” is a clear Eurovision winner, it’s definitely up there. Netta has a unique approach to the song, it has a nice message, it’s very international while maintaining Israeli roots. A stellar combination that deserves the best staging possible to work in Lisbon. Werk it, we’re all beautiful creatures.
Score: 8/10
Bogdan: I didn’t expect anyone to knock off Madame Monsieur from my number one spot, until the amazing Netta Barzilai unveiled her epic song. It has everything that an entry needs to win the song contest: a unique hook, an instantly recognisable melody, a strong, current message, special vocals and that certain je ne sais quoi needed to steal the spotlight from the other candidates — in this case, that infectious, over-the-top, unapologetic clucking that will always remind us of Eurovision 2018.
Score: 10/10
Luis: Netta proves one thing: if you believe in what you’re doing and you do it with conviction, people will react positively to it. “Toy” is not just a bop: it’s a song that’s unique to the artist that Netta Barzilai is. She packs it with sass, the right amount of craziness and lots of great ideas. There’s something in “Toy” that everybody can like: whether it is the ethnic Mizrahi sounds, the infectious hook in the chorus or even the Pikachu reference. Don’t be fooled, this song is anything but fast food music: it’s a very clever banger.
Score: 8.5/10
Cinan: Alright, here we go! This song is one of the best original songs created in the past few years. It’s absolutely different, unique and has SLAYAGE. The Oriental parts are outstanding and stellar. I’m 100% sure it will get the success it deserves and maybe Netta can bring the trophy in Israel after 20 years. I really love the loop pedal she uses live and I can’t wait to see what she is going to bring in Lisbon.
Score: 10/10
Renske: “Toy” is definitely not my style, but I have to give Netta a lot of credit for being this creative. The song builds up very strongly in the beginning, but I lose my attention every time halfway through the song for some reason. It has a very average Eurovision build up overall and oozes all stereotypes that Eurovision comes with. The overhype will kill her fate, because people are going to label this a freak show.
Score: 6/10
William: “My teddy bear’s running away, the Barbie got something to say” — it’s a lyric that sums up Netta’s mission of serving play with a purpose. Her Barbie has sass, attitude and a keen sense of empowerment. She’s busting balls in the name of her sisters while bringing swells, dips, wordplay and a very big note that drives it home. Doused in a gorgeous Mizrahi mix that draws on Europe, North Africa and the Middle East, it balances authenticity with disposable pop perfectly. Take me to the club, take me to the picket line. If Netta is there I’m sold.
Score: 8.5/10
In the Wiwi Jury we have 20 jurors but only have room for six reviews. The remaining scores are below:
Angus: 8/10
Anthony: 8/10
Antranig: 10/10
Chris: 9/10
Deban: 6/10
Jonathan: 10/10
Jordi: 8.5/10
Jovana: 8/10
Kristin: 8/10
Padraig: 10/10
Robyn: 7/10
Ron: 9/10
Sebastian: 10/10
Steinunn: 8.5/10
We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 6 and a high of 10.
Wiwi Jury verdict: 8.61/10
What do you think of this song? Share your own score and review below!
See all our Eurovision 2018 reviews and rankings
Go Netta
She can sing, but I really dislike this song. Mostly because of the topic. It would’ve been fine if there was a point to make, but half the world already made that point in the back half of 2017. It feels like it’s written to get some cheap votes.
4/10, but will probably reach top 5.
Let’s the SOul music wins again:
Will be very happy to see France and Bulgaria fighting for the glass trophy.
To anyone who’s saying that this song might have its voting jeopardised because of “politics”… there’s a BIG difference between Politics and Humanitarianism. Politics are, nevertheless, based on opinions. Humanitarianism is based on facts. Don’t use the “politics” excuse to blame the people who refuse to vote for this due to Humanitarian causes. (this has nothing to do with Netta and all to do with her current government’s behaviour – I feel bad for her and it’s really unfair that she will get the backlash in this song contest. I still wish her the best of luck and hope that… Read more »
O.V.E.R.R.A.T.E.D. Catchy, creative, but noooooo… Too much hype around this, it’s lacking on so many fronts (mainly the emotive front for me). While I appreciate Netta’s originality and creativity, this isn’t a song to win Eurovision. I can’t imagine Salvador Sobral, after claiming a victory for the essence of music, after inspiring this year’s contest and hopefully more people with the truth of “music isn’t fireworks, music is feeling”, handing over the trophy to Netta for a song that is the complete opposite of the legacy he’s created. If we’ve seen an upgrade in the quality of the songs from… Read more »
In my point of view you can also look at it the other way round, in a way she also sings: “You stupid girl, why did you let yourself become a toy” And I think if this would be a very earnest ballad – than the “stupid boy” thing would be just negative. But you can think of it as a woman talking to herself, trying to empower herself… realizing because you don’t feel good enough about yourself you fall for stupid cowards… or something like hat – but don’t take everything too serious what is going on about this… Read more »
I don’t quite understand the reactions to calling bullies both stupid and cowards. Did they not deserve it by their actions? Isn’t saying no and standing up for yourself a good thing?
To me, this seems very fitting. And I don’t see it as negative, on the contrary.
It’s just a way of saying enough is enough. I mean, when up against bullies you REALLY don’t get far with being nice in my experience. Sometimes you have to claim (or re-claim) your power and that usually means putting your foot down in some way.
I applaud that.
Good point.
overrated super overrated this rubish she cant sing live …. more voice playback that live
100% agree with you and that killls jury votes for her
When I first heard it I couldn’t stop listening to it. Now I got sort of bored with it, but I still appreciate it. As for it’s chances in the final – it’s hard to tell, on one hand it’s good, catchy and original, but on the other hand some people might not like that it is more about the rythm than melody, or chicken noises or noises at the beginning of the song might sound weird to them, or they might not like the lyrics. Also depends who will vote – younger people might like it more then older… Read more »
Did I mention that Emmelie de Forest (Denmark 2013) was the last OGAE winner to win ESC? The friction we are getting with Netta’s song makes me think that she could end up suffering the same fate as Francesco and his naked ape (6th last year). But then again, the stage setup for “Occidentali’s Karma” was less than what most of us expected. We might have a winner who is not in the OGAE top 5 (consider Salvador last year and Jamala in 2016).
So overrated
Cuál es tu problema?
It is an attack on regular bloggers on this site. Sad, I know.
Almost forgot: Cezar (Romania 2013) and his performance fit into the comedic category.
Last year we had a “bad boy” song, and it finished 14th. If I were to grade this song like I do most other songs, it would quite likely have real problems getting to my top 15. That is why I also grade the videos, as they give us a window into which we can see what they are probably going to put on stage. Netta’s video gives us a very good idea of what we could expect. Unlike most of the other songs, this song is mostly COMEDY (think Verka Serduchka from Ukraine 2007, and Koza Mostra and Agathonas… Read more »
I just have to say that I completely disagree. I think it’s a fantastic pop song that just happens to have comedic elements. Also, do you by 14th place refer to Dihaj?! For me those two are completely different animals, although I like both. Netta is fun and happy, while Dihaj was introvert and artsy. The fact that they both refer to a nameless “Boy” doesn’t really offer a basis for a comparison. I think the whole “me too” thing will be lost on most viewers on the night anyway. They’ll just see a happy, colourful song by a quirky… Read more »
I’m Israeli and I obviously wish this would win but I doubt it due to politics.
I know it sounds a bit old fashioned but this still hppens nowadays.
Just look below at peoples’ reactions here some of which are so abusive and irrelevant to the actual song. Think this speaks for itself.
Shame
if you dont like song it is not political very time. Seems that israel fans think too politically actually. Calm down and enjoy the party- no politics,
Not all is politics that true. Yet you can’t ignore it does influence people. Some of the comments here are very nasty, ie, “I hope she won’t win” or “she’s obese”.. wtf??
Well, if it makes you feel better, there are some very nasty comments directed at a lot of countries and songs.. Something I have always found funny about eurovision – it should be about unity, music, love, love, peace, peace, and it ends up in bitterness, resentments, “it was unfair”, “nobody likes our country”, etc 😀 it would be so much better if everybody just presented their songs, without voting – no winners or loosers.
You are right, Izzy. But be aware that there are also plenty of Israelis who react in a nasty way to anyone who respectfully says that he/she does not like Netta’s song. The only conclusion we can get to is that idiocy is universal.
If Netta wins, that’s fine. But if she doesn’t, don’t blame politics! Not everyone has to like her song… Enjoy music!
“The only conclusion we can get to is that idiocy is universal.” Yes, and also that’s just the internet – no matter who you are or what you do, somewhere out there in the internet there will be someone hating on you 😉
I generally love Israeli entries (I am jewish myself), like Golden Boy, Milim, Diva. But Toy is not a good song. I particularly don’t like the chicken sounds and the lyrics. I think the song sounds silly, like from a kid’s show. Yes, it’s original, creative and fun, but not top quality.
Ariana Grande’s new single from her upcoming album ‘R.E.M.’ is out!
Listen to ‘No Tears Left to Cry’ now!
I give 7 points to song, i don’t think its the best first single from her any album, nevertheless i hope there will be better songs on REM
^Another one for Mods to delete.
That one didn’t even make sense and was in more than one language. Google translate perhaps?
Apologies to LCH, but I actually don’t care who they are or where they come from. They have decided to attack this website and its participants – It requires a joint security response.
It will be soooo funny to see Netta fanclub faces after song contest- I can bet that this song flop down dramatically 🙂 🙂
I think this is borderline for qualification. Video is 4/10 but live version was so awful that I stopped listening it in the middle of song. In semi one I think it gets place between 8-14
Sorry Israel but 100% sure this is not very good song this year from you. Bulgaria,Australia, France are quite good. But hwo will win ? 🙂
This is rubbish, I honestly don’t get it.
I like this, but I think the chorus is so weak compared to the rest of the song. Reminds me of You Are the Only One in that respect. Also feels a little gimmicky, but at least the gimmicks are not extrinsic to the song. Not an obvious winner for me. 8/10.
You Are the Only One did win the televise, so if it reminds you of that, it may be a good sign for it.
I didn’t like it the first time I heard it and it’s getting worse every time. I truly hate this song and every aspect about it. But I love democracy so if it is the jury’s and televoting favourite, I will fully accept it. Just hoping we’re not going to Tel-Aviv next year.
I think it’s worth mentioning that the last four ESC winners have a Wiwi Jury average of 7.54. Netta would be a bette than average winner for sure!
I think Israel flop his year even more than last year Italy. Actually I dont know anybody who likes her song (and pardon- her live singig is so bad that every second teenager can sing better). TOP 20 will be maximum result but I think no even final this year.
She might be quite happy to finish 6th as Italy did last year!
My initial personal ranking from watching the studio vids appears to be only partly reflected in the opinions of others (like the Wiwi jury and bookmakers): 1. Israel 2. Cyprus 3. Australia 4. Sweden 5. Bulgaria 6. Greece 7. Belgium 8. Czech Republic 9. Austria 10. Poland 11. Finland 12. Azerbaijan 13. Denmark 14. France 15. Russia 16. Spain 17. Serbia 18. Croatia 19. Estonia 20. Portugal Netta’s song immediately gave me goosebumps. It is fun and interesting, really standing out from the competition. I don’t really listen to lyrics, but think hers are a good fit with the current… Read more »
yes Netta’s song immediately gave me goosebumps but in a very bad way. It was so terrible then I saw it in live show. In my ranking 37-42 place.
Winner winner chicken dinner.
The more times I hear this song the more annoying it has become. REALLY annoying. The lyrics are silly and no amount of ‘explaining them away as empowerment’ will change that. She stands (hides) behind a looper on stage and doesn’t engage with audience except to raise her arms in the air like a DJ. That being said, she will likely win because of all the teenagers who will vote 10 times each for her. Unworthy on many fronts to be the winner. 3/10
A song that wins the majority of the votes altogether is a worthy winner, regardless. You and everyone else here must learn to separate your personal preferences from those of others.
Lol … this entire point of this website and the comments section is to express personal preferences !
I don’t like it. With every listen, I like it less. It could be an age thing on my part but I find the musical style and lyrics to be quite childish and the song annoying to listen to. However, it could do really well at the contest due to how different it is to the other entries and considering that I rarely like Eurovision winning songs anyway, it would not be that big of a surprise. On a side note, I was feeling reluctant to comment on this article due to how ridiculously hostile fans of this song have… Read more »
To me it is more than a song. It is something that made me happy from second one and made me experience something new, let me me explain: I am following eurovision since i was a child, but it was hard to admit because i would get bullied at this. Eurovision was too creepy then and very far away from “real” music and i grew up feeling alone because i couldn´t share my true passion with anyone. Now i cannot even believe Eurovision has became so mainstream (in Spain at least, fans are not too many but media and public… Read more »
Thank you for sharing that. I can relate very much to what you said. Cheers
^Another awful fake Mask comment. Delete please.
^Insulting comment again. Please delete.
^I don’t speak German, but this looks fake and bad to me.
You’re quite right. “Junior” is now impersonating me as well. I’m famous it seems, who knew?!
(I must have touched a nerve or something…).
Mind you, I’ve noticed that I and others always have the same avatar so you can spot make fakes this way.
Agreed. This is more Loreen and Dana International than Francesco. It gives me all kinds of positive, happy vibes. That not everybody loves this is fine. That never happens anyway and frankly isn’t needed to succeed. I remember thinking Loreen was so obvious before the contest and was baffled by the people completely dismissing it’s broad appeal despite ample indications. A number of people just didn’t get it. It was not Eurovision enough,it as too artsy and such nonsense… but ultimately it was a refelction of their personal taste. I think we get that here. I think the one thing… Read more »
^Again, possibly another insult, this time pretending to be L’Oiseau. Please delete.
Not gonna happen, kid.
Have a lovely day. I can tell you need one.
Thank you very much! I’m so happy that the world can understand it and can accept it, you know, something different. With love from Israel <3
Sorry- bad song and in live it is very bad. No chance to win and even top 10 will be far away. And be correct-Netta does not have any x factor at all. Sorry fanclub from Israel but calm down and be realistic.
I like her very much too!!!
5.5/10
She calls herself a Barbie but she’s obese.
She doesn’t call herself a Barbie, and I’m not sure what her size has to do with whether you like the song or not. *eyeroll*
Body-shaming? Bless your heart.
And Barbie is a blonde bleached, plastic Skeleton with a smile that’s so creepy, she could Play in a Horror movie. Actually, Netta kinda insulted herself by saying she’s a barbie. Have fun.
RIP Avici, and tank you for the music, so sad. Only 28 years old.
We write the story, Eurovision 2013, Malmö
Avici, Björn and Benny,
https://youtu.be/_Kjj-XS2dHs
Take care of eachother.
If it wins, I’ll be happy because it’s Netta.
Unfortunately the song is not THAT good that it needs this hype. I don’t see it win, and if it does, not as easily as people make it.
And here she is, the woman of the hour. No secret this is an incredible entry; zany, completely unheard of before and is not afraid to go there. I always believed Netta was the best choice on the Next star final, she is truly an unique artist, not just in the context of Israel that took solace in sending big male acts in recent years, but also in a general context. Strong concept, unseen executions and lyrics and similes none would have thought of before. This song has a little bit of everything, all wrapped up in a package that… Read more »
^And another one to be deleted.
This one has serious issues.
^Then ban them all. How many masks have you created now? Six?
There’s something very wrong with you.
^Not the real L’Oiseau. Again.
Oh, please. No one is taking you seriously.
This is such cowardly behaviour anyway. Stealing other peoples names, impersonating them… You sound like such a sad, lonely person.
I see why people like this, but it’s not for me. I like bits of it, but on the whole I find the chicken noises (and that introduction) really annoying.
It’s definitely a contender to win, but I don’t think it’s as clear cut as the bookies make out.
We need a good winner this year after last year’s disaster (we all know Italy were the real winners!)!
5.5/10
Three songs in one in an incoherent three minutes. So many people cannot stomach the first 25 secs and lose interest. Too many red flags for me.
It’s all going to come down to what she and her team put on stage. A music video can create high or low expectations for a contender; in this case, high. The last OGAE winner to win at ESC didn’t have an official music video (Emmelie’s videoclip was that of her DMGP 2013 performance).
I fear your biggest red flags are the polls and the millions of views on the net:)
In the end, i fear Israel will not win because this is the type of song that depends highly on performance and staging unlike other more orthodox eurovision songs. That said, if israel pulls it off, good for them even if it is not my or your choice.
There is a strange indicator that Netta is going to win: Deban: 6/10 Don’t you think there seems to be some kind of (negative) correlation?: 2017 Portugal: Deban 7,5/10 2016 Ukraine: Deban 5,5/10 2015 Sweden: Deban 7.5/10 2014 Austria: Deban 7.5/10 2013 Denmark: Deban 5/10 There is one exception though: 2012 Sweden: Deban 9/10 Please don’t take this comment seriously – the score from Deban just cought my attention because it’s different and than my thoughts went further… it’s meant to be humorous… my looking into the archives… and posting my findings. Thanks wiwibloggs for all the fun you bring… Read more »
Why Deban????
Because he is the one with lowest score for Israel.
i hate eurovision
Hahahaha! Best comment EVER in this website!
Ask for a refund.
Oh wow. So what are you doing here?
The first time I heard this song without seeing the video I winced. The second time I heard the song watching the song I winced again. I was watching A program on VH1 the other day and famous singers were asked what creates a great song. They all said it must elicit a positive emotional reaction and have a great melody. Wincing is not a positive reaction. Possibly half of the audience watching this at home for the first time will also wince. Whist I am here, can Wiwibloggs please rotate the contributors on the blog and at Portugal so… Read more »
boring song
she wants no boy, she wants an uncle, what’s why she’s called Netta
a dick
A devisive song for sure. It’s a good song you can dance to and I appreciate the message. But it’s not among my favourites.
I kind of get the same feeling as last year, when everyone praised Italy and thought it would be the winner, and then they were dissapointed. (I was among them). I can see why “Toy” has such an appeal, but it’s not the winner. I think we will see sth like “Gloden boy”. It will do well, maybe it will sneak into the top 10, but it’s not going to win.
7.5/10
Who didn’t see this result coming? Israel is on top once again 😉
How did this happen? He was not very old from what I know
blame it on the white stuff
I’m so sad, only 28 years old.
Remember how proud I was when he eas in the audience 2013 in Malmö when they played, we write the story.
So sad.
Hadn’t realize Avicii had some Eurovisión history as the co-composer of the theme song for Malmö 2013. Another reason to be sadder today. Lost for the entire music world Indeed. Lost too soon. I still remember when he came to Peru as a tourist, he seemed so happy. RIP
^Another fake load of insults. Mods should delete it.
Agree (;
How is deleting comments by wiwi changes your opinion on a song? I don’t get that…it is not like wiwi belongs to Netta..
Why wiw deleting your comments is the reason your not voting for netta… you are like a child
Still don’t find the hype about this song… totally annoying, hysterical, over the top… I know this is not a great year, because if we are honest, there is not a song that stands out as the true and unique winner… I think at least 5 or 6 songs could win. Maybe Israel could be among this songs. But also i could not me surprised if Israel even doesn’t qualify to the final, or in the final ends in the middle.
For Italy last year it was all praise and hallelujah. Are some afraid to fall flat on their face again and pretend like they dont expect or want Netta to win? This is the most watched eurovision song of all time, before it performed on the ESC stage. If Netta wins it will be a victory for the ESC , because she has the potential to be a star beyond the song contest and her song will be a summer hit. Two things that haven’t happened for a loooong time, and no Loreen did not become a big star outside… Read more »
And neither will Netta. Even if she wins she will just be another ESC winner.
Can you predict the numbers from next week’s lottery as well?
Good song! Totally unique. Netta is a true artist.
I think however that she won’t win. I predict aan surprise winner. For now:
1) The Netherlands
2) Norway
3) Isreal
4) Bulgaria
5) France
Hmm very interesting. I think this year plays songs running order magnificent role in the grand final. Lets think about it for a second. If for example Netta is going to sing second and I don’t know let’s say Bulgaria last, does Netta have a chanse to win? We don’t know, but I have a feeling that winner is going to be someone, who is going to sing towards the end. Anyway just my opinion, because I have a feeling, that we don’t have a winner yet. People, who know Netta, maybe here some Israel citizens can tell me, how… Read more »
She’s performed the song live twice, to my knowledge, both times were excellent, even if the first time she got emotional, the second performance in Amsterdam was flawless. Both of these performances were under less than ideal conditions, no real staging and less than perfect sound, I think that in the contest itself she’s going to excel. As for those who say that people will be shocked, annoyed, disgusted by the chicken noises….really???? how many people will be hearing it for the first time on the night???? It’s charted in many countries, had unfold millions of views in all of… Read more »
LOL this jury is FAKE NEWS.
8/10 for this song? really? *EYE ROLL*
Avicii died. Can we pay respect to him here. He did wonderful work for the last contest in Sweden. RIP
Omg, I just read it on another News site… WTF, why?? I’m so sad right now! 🙁
Yeah, I’ve just read that too… Unbelievable, so young… 🙁
It broke my heart reading those headlines.
I like this. Best entry from Israel ever in my opinion. It’s such a bop and could totally have a live of otavio own after the contest. It’s also typically Israeli so that’s another plus for me. Yeah, this will do well. It’s number 5 in my Top 10. This will finish high, but I get Italy 2017 and France/Bulgaria 2016 vibes from this and they didn’t win. I still think Bulgaria has it. 9/10
I like but I find it a bit hysterical, bit over the top. it is really all over the place..