The final of “The Next Star”, Israel’s Eurovision 2015 artist selection, takes place on Tuesday, February 17, at 21:00 Israel time (so 19:00 GMT and 20:00 CET). You can watch it on on this link. When you do you’ll be wowed by all the finalists, including the talented Nadav Guedj, who is also known as “The Israeli Justin Timberlake”. Get to know him below…
Well done for making the final! How are you handling the pressure and excitement?
Only now, when we’re a few days before the final, am I beginning to get a bit excited. I try to keep it low. Towards the final there are no big preparations, nothing too wild. I just drink green tea with honey and lemon and try to keep my voice as much as possible.
On our website we call you “The Israeli Justin Timberlake”. What do you think of that comparison?
First of all, it’s very flattering. It’s fun to hear that, thanks! And yes, you can see that I’m taking an example from singers like him, but I prefer to be called simple and regular Nadav.
Do you think you can handle the stress of Eurovision and performing live in front of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers at home?
Yes, I think I can. This kind of stuff doesn’t really stress me out. I’m never afraid or concerned. I’m always stressed in a good way of getting excited and happy. I won’t tell you that I won’t have butterflies in the stomach in the second before I go on stage. That will always happen. Always.
Which musical styles do you listen to? Do you have a favourite artist or song?
I like RnB, pop, soul, hip hop. Some of my favourite artists are: Pharrell Williams, Usher, Beyoncé , Chris Brown, Maroon 5, Snoop Dogg, Stevie Wonder, Michael Jackson, Justin Timberlake, Timbaland and more. There are so many songs I like. Too many.
Have you been following the Eurovision Song Contest in recent years?
I really liked Harel Skaat’s song, “Milim” and Boaz Mauda’s song, “Keilu Kan” (“The Fire In Your Eyes”).
Do you have some songs prepared for Eurovision in case you win “The Next Star”?
I don’t know, just let me pass the final first and after that, god knows. [Smiles]
Why do you think you’re the most suitable artist for Eurovision among the finalists? What kind of song would you like to sing on the Eurovision stage?
My kind of representation for our country in that competition is really something that haven’t been done before, that can be pretty cool, no?
What are your future plans for after the show?
I would like to work on my own original material and I would also like to try acting, but right now it is more important for me to really start working on music, with the hope to succeed of course.
Thank you from all of us at wiwibloggs. 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.
Photos Credits: Ronen Akerman, Indrek Galetin (EBU).
I like his confidence, but once again there’s no song in the pipeline for him. It’s one thing to win domestically and it’s another thing to be an outsider in Europe. I’d rather he is spared from being sent because of his young age and also because he never once performed an original song, just like Sari. Imitating or channeling other stars and styles is not like singing and owning a song. I don’t see Nadav doing it without being heavily dependent on experts. I hope he’s spared from this irresponsible process.