Last week Tel Aviv welcomed more than twenty Eurovision stars to Israel Calling 2017, a promo event meant to share the beautiful face of Israel with the world.
And on Sunday the Eurovision spirit was very much alive during the broadcast of a “The Big Eurovision Chart” — a special charity show in aid of the Pitchon Lev organisation, which works to counter poverty.
Gali Atari and Milk & Honey’s 1979 entry beat out Shir Maimon’s “Hasheket Shenish’ar”, Nadav Guedj’s “Golden Boy”, and Dana International’s “Diva”, which finished second, third and fourth, respectively.
MAKO, one of Israel’s biggest web portals, staged the special poll, which asked readers to choose their favourite Israeli songs at Eurovision. During the show, contestants from “The Next Star For Eurovision 2017” performed covers of each of the songs that made the countdown. They were joined by some very special guests: Gali Atari, Shlomit Aharon (the lead singer of Hakol Over Habibi, who sang “Halayla” at Eurovision 1981) and Hovi Star, Israel’s 2016 representative with “Made of Stars”.
One of the highlights of the show was IMRI’s cover of Måns Zelmerlöw’s “Heroes” (which, funnily enough, Austria’s Nathan Trent has also covered in recent days). The song wasn’t part of the chart, but more of a special treat. IMRI owned it and you can watch it below, along with all the songs in the countdown.
IMRI – “Heroes”
THE ISRAELI EUROVISION CHART
1. “Hallelujah” (Gali Atari and Milk & Honey), 1979.
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Posted by ?????? ???? on Sunday, April 9, 2017
Israel 1991 – Duo Datz -Kan
Israel 2010 – Harel Skaat – Milim (and english version ”Words”, and french version ”Il restera ses mots”)
Hallelujah abd chai are ny favorites israelis songa of all times , in one word: masterpieces.
Same Heart. No contest.
Shara Barchevot (1990) was the reason I got into Eurovision in the first place and Rita remains a huge icon in the Middle East. Definitely my favourite although they’ve had some other great entries (1978, 1982, 1983, 1991, 2005, 2015, 2016).
How great to see Gali Atari looking and sounding so well!
Agreed, definitely an all-time classic, one of my favorites.
An all time classic for me is “Diva” of course in 1998! From past entries, I love “Abanibi” in 1978! From 2000 until now, my favourite song has to be “Hasheket Shenish’ar” in 2005! I’m in love with this song!! Also I love “The Fire In Your Eyes” in 2008 and “Milim” in 2010! Especially for “Milim”, it had a “Molitva” effect on me! I don’t speak Hebrew, I couldn’t understand a word but I love it! Israel, please get back to Hebrew at some time! It’s so beautiful! Of course, I still listen to “Golden boy”! Not to mention… Read more »
My Favourites from Israel:
1) 2013
2) 1973
3) 2005
4) 2002
5) 1974
6) 1976
7) 1978
8) 1979
9) 1983
10) 1998
Another forgotten gem: “Shara barchovot” (1990)
I’m also surprised that Ofra Haza is not on the list!
I remember 2008 entry as a really good one. Can’t say same about Diva, but at least it miles better than horrible cover that I used to hear as first. I might have check their entries before 2005 some time later, along with croatians…
Got to add: 2 early faves, representing the creative-pop of the 70’s in Israel, are Natati La Khayay from 1974 and Emor Shalom from 1976. Great songs, subtly-humorous presentations. The best!
Milim will always be my number one Eurovision entry from Israel.
This is closely followed by Hasheket Shenish’ar.
I definitely agree, Hallelujah is probably in my top 5 winners of all time. Definitely the best winner from the 20th century, closely followed by Non Ho L’Eta and Insieme!
@ (#Diva)/ Oh, yes, ‘Fire in the eyes”, how could I forgot it? Awesome song and singer!
btw, much improvement from Imri, well done.
1) 1998 ”Diva”
2) 2008 ”The Fire In Your Eyes”
3) 2017 ”I Feel Alive”
4) 2014 ”Same Heart”
5) 2016 ”Made Of Stars”
6) 2005 ”Hasheket Shenish’ar”
7) 2009 ”There Must Be Another Way”
8) 2013 ”Rak Bishvilo”
9) 2015 ”Golden Boy”
10) 2002 ”Light A Candle”
Wow.. Imri is so HOT babe! <3 I want him! <3 😉
Btw, the fantastic song ''Fire In Your Eyes'' (2008)
should had made the cut list too..
Wow, IMRI…WOW. I loved his version of “Heroes”, perfect singing. I much prefer his version than Nathan Trent’s…..
Ofra Haza ”Chai”? That’s the best Israeli entry for me.
Very well deserved, also Hasheket Shenish’ar is one of my all-time favorite Eurovision songs. Golden Boy, though… meh, I’d replace it with The Fire in Your Eyes from 2008.
For me TOP 5
1.1991
2.2005
3.1990
4.1983
5.1981
Israel’s recent history (for me):
2010- 35th
2011- 12th
2012- 38th
2013- 22nd
2014- 2nd
2015- 38th (Don’t judge! I just hate it all. I really HATE this song!)
2016- 3rd
2017- 31st
I am very surprised that “Happy Birthday” finished so high on that list, I’ve never liked that song. My favourite from Israel ever is actually their first entry (“Ey sham”), but they have had many, many great entries.