The final of “The Next Star”, Israel’s Eurovision 2015 artist selection, will take place on Tuesday, February 17. That gives us just enough time to get to know the four finalists. Today we get up close and personal with Sari Nachmias, a cool rock chick who we know will make you go crazy.
Congratulations on making the final! Do you have any time to yourself these days?
There is a very big excitement, it is really hard to believe that I came this far. Honestly, we don’t have that much time alone, and there’s a very intense schedule towards the final. But when I do have time for myself I dedicate it for my family, my home and for myself, to get relaxed and to understand where I am.
Do you think you could handle the stress of the Eurovision Song Contest and performing live in front of thousands of spectators and millions of viewers at home?
Yes. I don’t focus on the stress, but rather on the big honor of representing Israel in Eurovision. For me it is a huge honor to represent an entire country in my field of music. It is something that I couldn’t even imagine of having a chance to do and I’m so happy that I have that chance, so my goal is to focus on the honor and the song that I will perform there and not in the stress of it.
You’re being compared to the German singer Lena, who won the Eurovision Song Contest in 2010 and also participated in 2011. What do you think of that comparison?
This singer is amazing, unique. She brought something new and cool. I really loved it and it is a big honor for me to be compared to her.
Which musical genres do you listen to? Do you have a favourite artist or song?
I can’t put my finger on one artist or one song, there are so many songs and artists that have shaped me and walked a long way with me. In my phone you can find diversity, from Nina Simone to Rage Against the Machine.
Participating in Eurovision can help build a successful career for a newcomer, but it can also stall it before it starts. Does that scare you?
I do have many concerns, but for me, I can’t focus on these concerns. I need to focus on my goal and my goal is to represent my country with dignity.
Do you have some songs prepared for the Eurovision?
I don’t have a song prepared for Eurovision, but as I proved to myself all along the show, I will only pick songs that fit my music style and that I feel complete with. But this time in my choice I will also take into account that there are many countries and cultures watching the show, so I should pick a song that will fit to the general public.
Why do you think you’re the most suitable artist for Eurovision among the four finalists? What kind of song would you like to sing on the Eurovision stage?
I think I can bring rock ‘n’ roll into the Eurovision stage, and that will fit most of the countries and cultures that are watching the Eurovision. For me that is the winning combination — to combine my truth with the nature of this contest.
What are your plans for after the final show?
After the show, I plan to make music, to bring my art into music, to work hard and to manage to make a living out of it.
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 Credit: Ronen Akerman
I like everything about Sari. I think that even when she walked on thin ice too many times, she brought her unique interpretation and sound. However, I don’t see an Israeli composer being able to capture her complexity and serve her voice in a manner that will bring out the best in her. I also find it unacceptable that Sari admits there is less than a month to come up with a song from scratch: That’s just unprofessional and this race against time is the last thing she needs. It won’t do her any good to be completely dependent on… Read more »
She’s my personal favorite, but I think she comes into the final as a massive underdog; she’ll need a “Wicked Game”-level performance tomorrow to win.