Back in March, Israel broadcaster KAN confirmed that Eden Alene would be Israel’s act for Eurovision 2021. Now Israel media is reporting details of how Eden’s song for Rotterdam may be chosen. KAN is reportedly negotiating the rights for the television reality competition Songland, which will be used to select Israel’s song for Eurovision.
The Hebrew-language Eurovision blog Euromix has reported on the news. The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation is said to be negotiating for the right to produce an Israeli version of the hit American reality show Songland. The potential Israeli version would be used to create and select Eden Alene’s song for Eurovision 2021.
However, at this stage broadcaster KAN has not confirmed the news and it remains only media speculation.
The Songland format
Songland is a music reality competition with a twist — the emphasis is on songwriting.
The American series — which is currently wrapping up its second season — is guided by three top songwriters: frequent Rihanna writer Ester Dean, OneRepublic’s Ryan Tedder, and prolific country songwriter Shane McAnally. Each episode also features a guest performer, which in the past has included artists such as John Legend, the Jonas Brothers, Leon Lewis, and Bebe Rexha.
In each episode, four competing songwriters work on a song for that week’s guest performer. The episode takes viewers through the songwriting process, with final versions of three songwriter’s best song being performed on the show. In each episode, one winning song is selected and a version performed by the guest singer is released.
There is no series grand final, with only winners of each week’s episode.
Israel selects for 2021
It’s not clear what, if any, changes would be made to the show format if an Israeli version were to be produced. Using the standard Songland format would suggest only one episode for selecting the song for Eden. However, Euromix speculates that an Israeli version could use semi-finals and a grand final.
Songland competitors are relatively unknown songwriters, which would rule out using any heavy hitters for Israel’s Eurovision entry. But it could also mean giving upcoming Israeli songwriters a chance. “Toy” and “Feker Libi” songwriter Doron Medalie has already ruled himself out for 2021 — but given the Songland format, he could potentially be cast as one of the songwriting expert mentors.
Eden Alene’s song for Eurovision 2020 was selected using the show HaShir HaBa L’Eurovizion (The Next Song for Eurovision). Eden performed four potential Eurovision songs, which were voted on by three jury groups and the public televote. In the end, “Feker Libi” won the contest and would have been Israel’s entry at Eurovision 2020.
What do you think? Would Songland work as a song selection show? Or should Israel stick with their 2020 format? Tell us your thoughts below.
This would be about ratings and monetizing the selection process, and not about selecting the best song to compete at Eurovision. The point should be to win at Eurovision.
The point of a broadcaster that just took 17m Euros loan to host Eurovision is not to win Eurovision again in the next couple of years. Plus KAN is a public broadcaster and doesnt even measure ratings or selling commercials.
Obviously, KAN should stick with their 2020 format. Also, Romania should do Selectia Nationala again next year for Roxen with the SAME FORMAT.
I actually thought Israel ended up with a pretty weak song last year considering their selection and Eden’s obvious talent level. I think a selection process that really focuses on the songwriting (and not the usual songwriters, for that matter) is definitely a good way to go!
Hope they do something like this in Malta, on the lines of old Maltasong. The usual 20 or so entries which Destiny could belt out one after the other at Ta’Qali in February!
OMG…..
OK, I get you. But there is enough homegrown talent which does not warrant song shopping in Bulgaria, Italy or anywhere else. Destiny would not have won this year so hopefully that will be taken as another (expensive) lesson following Michela last year.
Mostly true. The first entry in 1972 and in Maltese finished erm last. At the risk of being hung, drawn and quartered it is not an attractive language. Remember those Andorran entries in Catalan? I’m sure Maltasong will be back with its bucketload of songs ; it’s very popular and always packed to the rafters. Or perhaps a “Celebrity” X Factor with the usual suspects slogging it out.
They can experiment a bit, it’s not like they are craving for another victory so soon. It’s time to try new things.
Not gonna lie, this is a really interesting and cool idea!
I’m watching the US Version in 2020… is interisting
I think this format would be great for KAN’s ratings but the Eurovision community would be deeply divided by this process. They would also watch the shows and critique they way the song was put together (acting as the 4th judge). I think seeing the sausage made is going to produce negative comparisons to other songs from the past and make the fans think that its very much color by number to increase Eurovision chances.
Interesting, but I think it’s better to just open the submissions for the songs and then internally select the best song. Established songwriter doesn’t particularly mean he/she will write a masterpiece. Israel has soo many good songwriters and in the past, we saw that even unknown songwriters could write fantastic songs(that unfortunately weren’t winning the nfs).
I’ve been wanting the UK to do this for so long! Even before so gland was a thing. It was when Ireland had the show with samantha mumba on it. Its such an easy way to get great songs and relevant artists in the competition
Interesting idea! We’ll see 😀
Whoa this idea is so so cool. I fully support this. A good chance for both songwriters and singers to shine equally.