Nadav Guedj — the beloved singer who shimmied on stage for Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest in Vienna in 2015 — has been dismissed from the Israeli Army Choir due to “continuous disciplinary problems”.
It’s an unfortunate turn of events for the “Golden Boy” singer, who was only 16 when he achieved an impressive ninth place in the Grand Final. Guedj’s performance is considered an important milestone in Israel’s history at the competition, as it ended the country’s four-year run of non-qualifications. It also symbolises the beginning of The Next Star era, which has changed Israel’s fortunes at the contest. Netta — the most recent winner of The Next Star — brought the country its fourth victory after 20 years of unsuccessful results.
Since his performance in Vienna, Guedj has been referred to as “Golden Goy”. But it now seems that this title might be at risk.
According to Ynet, Israel’s leading news website, Guedj has been involved in a series of disruptive events during his military service. His behavioural problems led to disciplinary actions being taken against him. Compounding matters, he failed to show up to various hearings where his behaviour was meant to be discussed.
In the most recent incident, Guedj refused to participate in a documentary that was aired on channel 12 (AKA Keshet) during its weekend news edition. During the shooting of the documentary, which dealt with army choirs in Israel and the challenges faced by their artists, Guedj was caught on camera saying: “Stop with the games. I’m not performing today kapara“. (Kapara is slang for ‘sweetheart’).
However, the commentator states that Guedj is probably frustrated because he is now required to serve as a military singer and to put his career at hold. That’s because military service is mandatory in Israel for all men between the ages of 18 and 21.
You can watch the documentary below (with Guedj’s comments from 7:00 to 7:10).
Speaking of Nadav’s dismissal, an IDF spokesperson said:
Sargent Nadav Guedj’s disciplinary problems have led to a thorough examination being conducted by his commanders. Due to the fact that he failed to comply with the choir rules and his daily tasks, it was decided to dismiss him from the choir.
In December 2017, Guedj released his last single – “Ulai Nedaber”, which translates as “maybe we should speak”. It was positively received by the Israeli audience. It didn’t, however, achieve the dizzying success of his Eurovision hit.
Read more Israel Eurovision news
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Maybe it’s an age issue, he must be 50 by now.
That is disgusting that you chose to feature that picture of him with a gun. Shame on you Wiwibloggs.
Wiwibloggs, making violence trendy!
OK, just realized it’s a trumpet. It appeared really small on my phone. Still, please do not include any pics of artists in army uniform. It’s in poor taste. Thanks.
xD
Omg you made me lol ??
Are you for real?
You have some comprehension issues.
He is a very good guy. I get the sense that he just grew up in a bad neighborhood/city (Natanya – a developing city) that ruined him a bit. Oh well, after his service I’m sure his managers will straighten him up or he might find himself job-less as a singer.
He is a good artist.
At least he didn’t tell the Israeli Army “I’m not your toy.”
At least he didn’t tell his superiors “I’m not your toy.”
20 years of unsuccessful results? Really? Was Israel unsuccessful in 1999, 2005, 2008, 2015 and 2017? I don’t think so.
Imri came 23rd in 2017, is that successful for you?
And what about all the other years? Or the amount of times we failed to qualify?
Israel wasn’t so successful in the last 20 years but we had some good results as you mentioned.
Dude’s a solo artist. He doesn’t sing in a choir.
You’re the worst.
And they say the army is good for instilling a sense of discipline…
Well, if you think you are a star and you are somebody special or better, just you were at Eurovision, even the Army cannot help you to learn discipline.
It’s not that difficult to “fail discipline” in army.
Netta apparently didn’t have trouble with discipline in the Israeli military.
Netta wasn’t famous when she was in the military, and she’s not a troublemaker (pretty sure she took her service time seriously). As said in her winning speech, she loves her country.
If you don’t want to be hated to death, say you love Israel…. That’s how it works here…
You only say one bad thing or judge the failure of the government and you’re done.