The final of ā€œThe Next Starā€, Israel’s Eurovision 2015 artist selection, takes place onĀ Tuesday, February 17, at 21:00 Israel time (so 19:00 GMT and 20:00 CET). You can watch it onĀ on this link. Among the finalists isĀ Avia Shoshani, a lovelyĀ ladyĀ who makes us shiver when she sings. Some of you may remember her as one of Moran Mazor’s backing vocalists from 2013. She recently chatted with us about her passion for music and the possibility of taking centre stage at Eurovision.

Congratulations for making the final!Ā Are you overwhelmed by the excitement? How are you preparing?

First of all, thank you for the kind words, it’s heartwarming. The excitement is getting bigger and bigger every day, the butterflies are multiplying and I can barely wait for Tuesday to come, so IĀ can stand on the final stage.Ā There are a lot of preparations, filmings, rehearsals, and IĀ feel that I’m blooming during this period. I have met some incredible and talented people and it’s an honor for me to be in this environment filled with music and creation.

I’m a bit sad that this period is about to end, even though for me every end is always a start of another thing, so it’s just the beginning of my way and of the hard work.

What type of music do you listen to? Do you have a favourite artist or song?

I listen to many different styles, languages and artists from around the world, includingĀ Stevie Wonder, Strome, Tracy Chapman, Sia, Coldplay and many big others. I’m especially connected to Israeli music from all years – from Chava Alberstein, Shlomo Artzi, Arik Einstein, Shalom Hanoch and to Eviatar Banai, Dudu Taasa, Marina Maximilian Blumin, Yoni Bloch, Daniel Salomon, and that’s just the beginning.

I’m very connectedĀ to Arik Einstein. IĀ know almost all of his songs by heart, I’ve explored his way for many years. Arik for me is my childhood, his songs reminds me of the long trips in my father’s car on a Saturday morning to watch the blossoming poppies in the south or the Banias river. My favourite song of him is “Shir Al Hatuki Yosi (ā€œa song about Yossi the parrot”), which hides in it a lot of messages, emptiness and depth. I feel like this song was written about me and every time IĀ hear it IĀ cry.

Back in 2013 you were a backing vocalist for Moran MazorĀ at Eurovision. WhatĀ memories do you have? Did it make you “hungry”Ā to come back to Eurovision as a lead singer?

In 2013 IĀ accompanied my amazingĀ friend Moran Mazor to represent Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. I think that only someone that experienced Eurovision could understand what it feels like to be on the biggest and most respected stage in the world, to see how all the wars in the world, all the egos and political tensions are remaining outside the door for one night, this is a true evening of being united by music and harmony.

There’s nothing like that shivering going through your body when the director is counting the seconds back before the song begins and there’s nothing like this huge love you get from all over the place. I remember that during these two weeks IĀ was so proud to be part of this delegation and to stand next toĀ such an inspiring singer like Moran, being by her side in ups and downs, to wipe off the tears and get it back together.

For me this was an experience that nothing will compare to and IĀ have been dreaming all my life and IĀ will keep on dreaming and my “appetite” is just getting bigger and bigger to get another opportunity like that.

Moran Mazor and Avia Shoshani - Israel - Eurovision 2013

Do you follow Eurovision regularly?

Those who know me know that I’m a well-known Eurovision fan. IĀ watch it every year and have done so for many years. It is a veryĀ high standard competition and soĀ diverse: the languages, the crazy performances, the great singers, the dancers, the special effects that are being added every year. It’s all very exciting to me and IĀ recommend for every music lover to follow this contest.

One of the songs IĀ got really connected to in the past years is the winner of the contest IĀ took part inĀ Denmark 2013: Emmelie de Forest – “Only Teardrops”. I think that this song delievered a big message, the singer was so delicate and special and introduced a lot of simplicity by going on stage barefoot, with delicateĀ makeup andĀ dress. Her exciting song represents Eurovision and the nature of the contest, putting politics and everyday problems aside, being as neutral as possible and focusing only in harmony, love and music.

Denmark's Emmelie de Forest

Participating in Eurovision can help youĀ build aĀ successful career, but it can also end it before it starts. Does that scare you?

I’m not afraid of this contest and that it might hurt me if I’ll be chosen to represent the country. On the contrary, IĀ think everything depends on the singer’s attitude and in his insistence.Ā I always try to put everything in proportion, just like IĀ promised to myself when IĀ decided to go and compete in “The Next Star”.Ā I knew IĀ was about to make music above all, to deliver messages in every song IĀ choose to sing and to have fun.Ā I’ll do the same if I’ll be chosen to represent Israel, IĀ will get there to show everyone how amazing our country is and IĀ will get there to represent only Israel and not Avia Shoshani.

I think it is a privilege above all, and it’s a mission. And if IĀ will be chosen, IĀ will do anything IĀ can in order to get the best result and to represent us with honor. I believe that everything we do should be done without fear ofĀ the unknown and without any regret, just the opposite, with a lot of motivation. And IĀ believe that my country will stand by me through the good and the bad.

Since it’s the beginning of my career (and I’m sure it’s just the beginning), I’m full of ambition to represent Israel and it’s just another springboard for me, and if i’ll get it, the hard work will start only afterwards. I’m a person that likes to work hard and believe that there’s nothing you can’t do if you really want it.

Do you have some songs ready for Eurovision?

I performed my original song on the show and IĀ got a lot of hugs and love from the judges and the public. I’ve been writing for many years and believe in my songs — IĀ believe some of them can fit for EurovisionĀ and if I’m chosen, IĀ will offer them for sure.

Even though it is a bit far now, if IĀ had to pick a song, IĀ would look for a song that has a strong message, a song that anyone can relate to, in any age, language, race, gender, etc. — a song that’s rolling on your tongue andĀ that is fun to hum, and most importantly, a song that will represent Israel in the best possible way.

Israel-Final-2015

Why do you think you’re the mostĀ suitable artist for EurovisionĀ ofĀ the four finalists?Ā What kind of song would you like to sing on the Eurovision stage?

I believe that all the other finalists that are in the final with me are suitable and appropriate to represent Israel and IĀ believe that I am too. I believe this contest has no rules, but IĀ know what IĀ have to offer. I know i’m a very professional and responsible person, IĀ can handle pressure and IĀ love hard work. I never stood in front of the Eurovision stage, but IĀ did see how things are managed from close by. I’ve seen Moran Mazor — she was so amazing and strong and determined to succeed and IĀ also experienced the disappointment and IĀ helped her getting in all back together.

I know where IĀ want to get and IĀ know that representing Israel will always be my dream, so even if IĀ don’t get to fulfill it this time, IĀ will keep on trying in the upcoming years until IĀ will achieve it.Ā Once I’mĀ given the chance, IĀ will do anything to represnt us in honor and in the best possible way.

What are your plans for after the show?

After the show IĀ plan to keep touring all over the country withĀ my original songs, to try toĀ get into the music industry and to make a decent living out of it, to find a record label that will believe in me and in what IĀ have to give and deliver and to fulfill myself and my dreams.

Thank you from all of us at wiwibloggs.Ā We wish you the best of luck in “The Next Star” final in Israel.


Who do you think should win for Israel? Vote in our poll!

You can follow all of our Follow our Israel Eurovision news here.

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Erin
Erin
6 years ago

You’re such a party animal! how’d you look to shiver me timbers? how’d you like a rocket up your pocket?

Erin
Erin
6 years ago

You’re right…she does resemble Amy Winehouse in a way, but I’m not sure she’s as versatile and eclectic as the late Amy Winehouse. Only time will tell. Since it seems like her song will only be revealed by mid-March just before the EBU deadline of song submission, there isn’t much to work with at the moment…
(Appreciate your comment about Thessalonike. I know it’s still an open wound for many. Tel Aviv is great for many reasons and one of them is certainly the notion of a city that doesn’t sleep where people are outgoing and make you feel accepted.)

Mario Vision of Gay Love The Gay Star of David!
Mario Vision of Gay Love The Gay Star of David!
6 years ago

Israel un4tunately was really underrated in EuroVision Contest… Deserved 4 sure to qualify to the final in 2013 Butterfly Malmo Vision when our star Avia was the backround vocalist of Moran.. After all Israel’s best ever place to date so far for a decade now its the *4*th spot that they succeeded in the Vision contest of 2005 that my country Greece won 4 the first time ever! <3 šŸ™‚ 4 the record,my very 1st experience from EuroVision was from ISRAEL! <3 I had bought the cd single *Diva* of Dana and back in 1998 i did not know about… Read more »

Mario Vision of Gay Love The Gay Star of David!
Mario Vision of Gay Love The Gay Star of David!
6 years ago

If she doesn’t win tomorrow i will be very sad 4 her indeed..
But….Hopefully this will NOT be the end 4 Avia here
& her *Day Will Come* making true her lifetime chance to represent ISRAEL in a future edition of EuroVision.. <3

Erin
Erin
6 years ago

Avia is 200% ready for this and this interview proves it. I hope she’ll be wise enough to have as much input as she can in the creative process. I bet she’s got some songs ready in her drawer and if she truly is a Eurovision fan, I hope she doesn’t fall in obvious traps to begin with. However, with Israel getting an average of 25 points from the public vote, even a favorable jury wouldn’t be able to sugar the pill. The performer has to focus on the performance and the broadcaster has to provide a solid back. If… Read more »

Mario Vision of Gay Love The Gay Star of David!
Mario Vision of Gay Love The Gay Star of David!
6 years ago

She is truly (Next) STAR! <3 She has her own stigma & identity and she is pretty unique and special (real!)artist..! <3 Like Israel's lost Star *Amy Winehouse* that still keeps living in our world & is with us with her precious spirit / soul being now The *AVIA* ! <3 I admit that im very prejudized all the way 4 dear Avia! <3 If she wins tomorrow i will be very happy 4 her and im going to even celebrate her victory with having a party here on my bar! <3 šŸ˜€ I don't know if she will be… Read more »

Erin
Erin
6 years ago

Avia is 200% ready for this and her answers prove so. I don’t see any realistic option for Israel other than Avia. It doesn’t mean she’ll qualify to the final. Based on past patterns, unless Israel is ranked very high among the judges, it can’t qualify with an average of 25 points from the public televote. There are plenty of factors that make this qualification impossible under any circumstances.