The Wiwi Jury — our in-house team of music unprofessionals — is reviewing and rating the 40 competing songs in Eurovision 2022. Next we review Israel, who have chosen Michael Ben David with “I.M”.

Were we onboard for the ride? Read on to find out!

Michael Ben David – “I.M” (Israel Eurovision 2022)

Review: Michael Ben David – “I.M”

Ron: I really enjoy this song and performance, yet for me it’s more a performance to watch rather than a song to listen to. But then again, Eurovision is all about performances and not just radio songs. “I.M” is a great empowerment anthem of self-confidence and self-belief. Whether you’re gay, straight, asexual or whatever, every one will identify with it in his/her own way. Michael is such a great performer – he can sing, dance and act so well and he is selling this song very well. I prefer the original version over the revamp but it’s still so much fun. Even the song’s haters will agree that it does stands out in the field of Eurovision 2022.

Score: 7.5

Natalie: Part of me likes to imagine that Michael really wanted to bring an inspirational self-empowerment song for the queer community. But most of me thinks he just has no self-awareness. I appreciate that he likes to have fun. I like the ethnic elements crammed into this song. But, no, I’m happy staying off the dance floor while this one is on, thanks.

Score: 1.5

Pablo: I M trying too hard. Israel made this into an enjoyable, fun track, but it just feels too heavy-handed and in-your-face, trying so hard to be taken for more than it is. The flute breakdown is a nice addition, but the introduction feels cheap and, as a whole, “I.M” feels disjointed and a bit hollow. This could have been done in a different way, but as it is, it’s tough to really get into this track, and Israel’s constant qualification streak could be in danger.

Score: 5.5

Jonathan: I.M what I.M, and that includes being someone who watches a fair amount of RuPaul’s Drag Race and has songs from the show in a playlist to provide a sassy boost on the way to work. The original version of “I.M” was very much geared towards a similar breed of people with inner divas. The revamp hasn’t quite reached the same heights – the folk riff added into the chorus seemingly comes out of nowhere and some of the bite has been lost. But there’s enough drama in the verses to let the diva loose momentarily and vogue the house down.

Score: 7.5

Tom: I love “I.M” for exactly 20 seconds. It has a huge start with a big band feel and I am up for it! Then, I can’t stand it. When a song is not for you it’s not for you. It’s oddly annoying, his voice is grating, and the music is all over the place. Plus, the intermittent laughing is just a tad too creepy for me. All in all, just not for me. But I conclude by predicting that Michael will have something big and crazy for Turin lined up which I am excited by – if he can go.

Score: 4

Israel Eurovision 2022 ranking

In the Eurovision 2022 Wiwi Jury, we have 18 jurors but only have room for five reviews. The remaining scores are below:

Angus: 2

Antranig: 6.5

Cinan: 8.5

Deban: 6.5

Josh: 2

Lucy: 5

Luis: 5

Oliver: 5.5

Renske: 6.5

Robyn: 6

Sebastian: 7.5

Suzanne: 6.5

William: 5.5

We have removed the highest and lowest scores prior to calculating the average. This is to remove outliers and potential bias. We have removed a low of 1.5 and a high of 8.5.

Wiwi Jury verdict: 5.56/10

What do you think of Israel’s Eurovision 2022 entry? Share your own score and review for Michal Ben David’s “I.M” below!

126 Comments
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Dani
Dani
1 year ago

This is what happens when they let Reshet13 pick up the artist/song for the ESC. Nothing to like or see….

ayzelto
ayzelto
1 year ago

This is just… too much for me. Not this year, Israel. 3/10.

Scott
Scott
1 year ago

You know you have slipped up when you have to rework your song and then have a ‘will they/ won’t they attend?’ story to try to win over your audience. The original cut was just fine as it was- no winner- but it was better than what has been reworked.

ESCLOU
ESCLOU
1 year ago

6/10 I.M is supposed to be empowering, but I feel with an empowering song it needs to be personal and this just feels really plastic or forced?…

Kristian
Kristian
1 year ago

Michael performs great but the song is very non-enthusing to me , especially the revamped version . Israel had so many great options and opinions. I don’t personally enjoy this . Given the running order I don’t think this would qualify.

A 4/10

ESC Stan
ESC Stan
1 year ago

There’s a false “sexiness” in the verse that’s very jarring to me, bordering on creepy, but I love belting out the Usher-style pre-chorus. I just wish I felt that for the all of the song.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago

Do you know when a TV show has a single gay character, the funny loud one that feels like a collection of stereotypes coming from the mind of someone that never had an actual conversation with a gay man? That’s how I picture “IM”. Musically it’s also very lazy and messy, rehashing tricks from former Israeli entries. If I’m throwing it some points, it’s all because of Michael. He can sing, he can dance, he’s unapologetically playing the diva part and he’s doing everything he can to make it work. He deserved a better song though. 2/10

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Sabrina

‘Big gay Al’ from the South Park movie? 🙂
Yeah I think Michael is a great singer and I want to follow his career, but this song is really a bad start for his career IMO.

Sabrina
Sabrina
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I haven’t ever watched South Park, so I can’t say! But this kind of character was pretty common in the 90’s and 00’s. Many times, there was an idea of inclusivity behind their presence (and I want to believe the songwriters here have the same good intentions), but the stereotypes got in the way. By the way, I’m always reading your reviews with pleasure and I completely agree that the spoken part here (and the laugh… I hate fake laughs during songs) instantly breaks my goodwill towards the song. As Colin pointed, it starts feeling like a comical villain in… Read more »

Sagi
Sagi
1 year ago

I agree as an israeli it sucks 4/10

Maria
Maria
1 year ago

As Israeli I keep saying – the formula of a singing competition + matching a song in some way peaked in 2018, after 4 years, and rarely worked ever since (only exception is 2020, which we never got to perform anyway).
They should either think of a new formula, or quit. I dont want bland songs like “home”, “set me free” or “IAM” to represent me.

I feel that many Israelies feel the same way.

Maria
Maria
1 year ago
Reply to  Maria

Ph

Maria
Maria
1 year ago
Reply to  Maria

Oh by the way, its still a shame that neither of Inbal’s songs were chosen. “Head up” of Sapir was also very nice and could have turned upside down with a decent revamp (imagine the israeli version of la venda)
Blinded dreamers was awesome.

I smell something stinky in the voting systems. Its a know thing in Israel thar our reality shows a rigged to the very core.

Ana
Ana
1 year ago
Reply to  Maria

Who would rig an entire x-factor season in favor of a guy who works at the super market? Michael is really not a well connected individual and the song writers were treated like cr*p as well, so it wasn’t rigged for them. I just think the audience that votes in the NF has very little understanding of what might work in Eurovision. They saw an over the top gay number and thought “ooh Eurovision is very gay, that will probably do well”.

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago

Overhated and I don’t get why. Michael has a strong stage presence and he’s a great vocalist to boot. The song is an earworm and not in a bad way for me. I honestly expect Israel to qualify just fine if the live show comes around, as I think first-time viewers will enjoy this a lot. For me it’s a 7/10

Yannis
Yannis
1 year ago
Reply to  Vivian

There are several reasons for this:
1. Hatred of Israel, in general
2. Homophobes
3. Gays who are threatened by a gay man who is not afraid of what others will say about him, those gays are just jealous of him, and why? Because he shows everyone that he is who he is and does not hide himself.

We all know that if a woman had sung this song or the song had come from a country like Sweden, the song would have been ranked in the first places

Maria
Maria
1 year ago
Reply to  Yannis

Debun rightfully said that this song is borderline unlistenable.
To which point does he fit?

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Maria

How does an unlistenable song get 6.5?

Maria
Maria
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

For other reasons that are not the song.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Yannis

Yannis, for some of us, it looks like Michael is mocking the camp behaviour of gay men. I mean, you know he IS, right? You know I AM! (Does vogue move and winks.) Do you see the problem now? Making fun of gay men for entertainment – that is the problem in a nutshell.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I don’t believe that’s even remotely what he’s doing. He’s just being himself. An exaggerated version of himself, maybe, but that’s true of probably every performer in different ways.

I’m kinda reminded of him singing a Pet Shop Boys song on The X Factor. Everything he ever does is a sin. He can’t win.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Over-exaggeration is also a perfectly valid way to express feelings and behaviour that a person has been repressing for too long. That’s what can result from a society that oppresses.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

Indeed. All valid opinions. I like Michael’s singing and acting. I just say what I see about this song, which seems to joke about society’s oppression rather than celebrate it. The video is much more inclusive of course, so hopefully the final live verison can use that concept and carry it forward.

Markus
Markus
1 year ago
Reply to  Yannis

Nope

Zisk
Zisk
1 year ago
Reply to  Yannis

Some of us just think the song sucks, Yannis.

Roelof M
Roelof M
1 year ago

Songs like these have been done way better, especially by Israel. MBD is a fantastic performer and he hits every note, but all the drama surrounding his participation, and then him having quite a weak song with it, is really unfair to him. Don’t think this’ll continue their qualification streak, especially because he’s surrounded by two entries that I think will be huge televoting juggernauts (Serbia and Finland). 5/10

Ritoli
Ritoli
1 year ago

I have a feeling that if a woman performs the song and not a man then everyone would love the song and would declare it a winner. To tell the truth, Chanel’s song is also pretty shallow and just another song about Booty. And others sing about bananas and grandmothers and the other songs in general are dumb. Michael’s song is actually not bad at all ..

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago

I can’t say I really like the song, but I don’t understand the “too sassy” complaints. That’s the best thing about it. Chanel gets adored for doing the very same thing with a song just as bad. For some reason, it’s different when a man does it. Please ask yourselves why.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

A lot of internalized Homophobia. I guess some people can argue SloMo’s instrumental is better than I.M’s, but lyrically SloMo is even worse than I.M.

Jonas
Jonas
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

MBD even does Chanel’s leg move.

Maa
Maa
1 year ago
Reply to  Jonas

He is trying to be a diva and failing miserably, accounting for an extremely cringeworthy performance. His laughs are scary and his voice is unlistenable.

JONNY
JONNY
1 year ago
Reply to  Maa

100%

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago

Really getting my most disliked songs out of the way first this year, right Wiwi? I find this one quite hard to take seriously. It’s far too boisterous and over-the-top. MBD does have some vocal power but for some reason, they have him deliver what should (I assume) is trying to be an empowering song in a tongue-in-cheek, disney-villain sort of way. I feel with the little sneers that he’s planning to make a jacket made out of puppies or something. The tone is completely off. Musically, there is a nice build into the drop (besides MBD’s squeals over it)… Read more »

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

Rating: 3.0/10.0

Bella
Bella
1 year ago

This is in my bottom 5 this year, but this might still sneak into the final. SF2 is pretty weak, there’s only 5 songs that I think deserve to qualify. The rest ranges from forgettable to bad.

DonutLover
DonutLover
1 year ago
Reply to  Bella

SF2.. weak? ok…

Bella
Bella
1 year ago
Reply to  DonutLover

My personal qualifiers are Serbia, Cyprus, Belgium, Sweden and Czech Republic. The remainder feels very bland to me so I don’t really care if they qualify or not (Finland, Malta, Australia, Estonia, Poland, Ireland, etc.) and then there’s Israel and Romania that deserve to NQ.

Azan
Azan
1 year ago

Michael has a very fun personality and he was absolutely amazing at Israel Calling, HE CAN PERFORM!!! So I would be suprised if this didn’t qualify. I personally preffered the older chorus, but the new one adds some uniqueness to the song!

Boozyfloozy99
Boozyfloozy99
1 year ago

Generous score because this song is narcissistic and absolute Trash!

Ritoli
Ritoli
1 year ago
Reply to  Boozyfloozy99

Also songs about booty and bananas…

Vivian
Vivian
1 year ago
Reply to  Boozyfloozy99

You must really enjoy the victimizing mundane entries then

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago

Imagine Israel comes 5th in the semi out of nowhere again lmao.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago

I actually really like the mess of a production of the song and the lyrics have a good meaning behind them, I just wish they were not so poorly contracted… 3 writers for that? Gurl, please, sorry, next.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago

Getting death slotted is not great for MBD but he can still advance. I can see Israel coming 8th-10th with both the jury and the public and managing to advance.

John
John
1 year ago

Hello, I’m reading your post and also the Wiwi Jurry ones and I usally I don’t mind the comments and the scores since I respect everybody’s taste, but this Natalie girl like how on the planet can you be that much disrespectful for the artist to write such a comment and give 1.5 for this song like come on this is at least 5.5
Please don’t give any random person right to be in your team.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  John

I do agree that Natalie’s review was distasteful but she is a Wiwiblogger and not a random person and is entitled to her opinion and review

Liki
1 year ago
Reply to  John

Agree with you.. so much hate is disgusting.

John
John
1 year ago

The only sure qualifiers in SF2 are Azerbaijan, San Marino, Cyprus, Estonia, Poland and Sweden. The other 4 slots are completely open depending on the performance.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  John

Azerbaijan & Cyprus are not certain and San Marino is quite the opposite of a certain Q.

Maa
Maa
1 year ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

San Marino is much more likely to qualify than Azerbaijan.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Maa

No.

Alo
Alo
1 year ago

MBD is an excellent performer but obviously the song is in a very low quality.
Anyway, I just wish the eurofans will be less toxic towards him. I saw a very harsh comments regarding his personality and sexuallity which made me uncomfortable to read.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago

So I decided I wanted to try and revamp I.M’s lyrics myself and upon looking at the lyrics I realized they were much more busted than I thought. There were some lyrics I apparently misheard and my goodness are they bad. I still like the song (Mainly cus I think the production is catchy although it’s messy and I love Michael’s energy). So these are my revamped lyrics of I.M! Feel free to add/change anything you feel should be changed 🙂 Baby Sometimes life can bring you down But, honey Keep your head up Keep your head up Keep your… Read more »

Azan
Azan
1 year ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

OO, this is very interesting!

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Azan

Thanks : )

Chris
Chris
1 year ago

I like MBD. He looks and sounds fab. But he’s so much more talented than this song, which is basically a polished but confused RuPaul ‘snatch the crown’ track. The formula’s tired. For those who can’t tell the difference between Eurovision and Drag Race, this one isn’t going to help.

Pete
Pete
1 year ago

Absolute zero, null, zilch, nula, nada… One of the worst song I ever heard in esc, like ever! I don’t know the guy so I can’t tell anything about him… But I can’t stand this kind of song when they are not aware of difference between self empowerment and arrogance and egocentrism. This is my personal opinion, and nothing gonna change it.

Eurovision fan
Eurovision fan
1 year ago

I hated this song, but there is something very catchy about it

Héctor
Héctor
1 year ago

Michael is trying too hard throughout the whole song making it highly irritating. It’s not that I don’t like vogue muic style or dancing (I don’t like it but I find it enjoyable in certain aspects) but this is way too much sassiness, as another commentator say below.

His live performance in Israel Calling clearly shows the song is a bit messy and over-performed.

Israel falls down to my 34th place.

15. Armenia (7)
27. North Macedonia (6.25)
32. Romania (5)
34. ISRAEL (4.5)

Liki
1 year ago
Reply to  Héctor

Michael is the opposite of trying to hard.
He is a natural talent on the stage.
In Israel Calling he was awesome.
His song is ok but his preformance and vocals are Amazing.
In a weak Eurovision year like we have now, he can totally qualify with a very good staging and preformance which he can deliver.

Sir Stevia
Sir Stevia
1 year ago
Reply to  Liki

I don’t think this year is weak but I do think he can advance.

Liki
1 year ago
Reply to  Sir Stevia

For my opinion this year is very weak..most of the songs make want to sleep.. i dont care about the songs..
Its clear that Ukraine, Italy or Sweden will be the winner.

Spencer USA
Spencer USA
1 year ago

This is the most unpredictable song in years at Eurovision. Can land anywhere between the top 10 to last in the semi-finals.
The song is rather meh but it, with the performance, DOES stand out compared to any other entry this year. It gets your attention within three seconds. Say what you want but this is what you need served at Eurovision. THREE MINUTES TO IMPRESS, THREE SECONDS TO SLAY!

Stephanie
Stephanie
1 year ago

Nothing against Michael, absolutely not….And I do hope we can see him on the eurovision stage in Turin…but his song…..He deserves better, way better….

Liki
1 year ago
Reply to  Stephanie

We will see him in Turin ofcourse.

Emily
Emily
1 year ago

Israel – I find this pretty fun, but overall I don’t see this as a qualifying song. I don’t even think this is last place material, I think Michael sells the song pretty well but whether he’ll get enough votes, I don’t know. 4/10

User2341
User2341
1 year ago

It just tries to hard to be different and ends up being a massive train wreck. It honestly feels more like a joke entry to me.

User2341
User2341
1 year ago
Reply to  User2341

I give it a 1.5/10. I think it has a 10% chance to qualify.

Liki
1 year ago
Reply to  User2341

You dont know him at all..he is not trying..its just him.. you cant write nonsense about a person you don’t know.
Pepole are so hateful with personal comments about Michael its so disgusting.
You can write you not like the song thats fine but what you wrote about Michael is nonsense.

Pandaman
Pandaman
1 year ago
Reply to  Liki

The question is, do YOU know him to write anything about him?

Pandaman
Pandaman
1 year ago
Reply to  Liki

Also, User2341 never mentioned Michael in the first place – “it” refers to the song, not to the artist.

User2341
User2341
1 year ago
Reply to  Liki

I think Michael is an ok person and I can’t deny his stage presence, but the song completely ruins it for me.

just an esc fan
just an esc fan
1 year ago

One of the few songs that I can’t find anything positive about it throughout every edition of ESC. Easily one of the worst songs i’ve heard but with a very good performer. Sorry Israel.

Rating: 0,5/10 (40th)

Colin
Colin
1 year ago

ISRAEL – There is a fine line between having an empowering and annoying attitude, and this song crosses it by a mile. The sass here is anything but subtle, which quickly becomes tiresome. To be fair, Michael seems to enjoy every second on stage, and he is a gifted performer. The production feels polished and tailor-made for a grand stage show. The new instrumental choices in the revamp feel more sonically full than the original ones, but some don’t really match the melody that well. For instance, the flute drop feels like it’s coming out of nowhere. The less said… Read more »

Dani
Dani
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I couldn’t have said what I feel about this song any better than this review.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

About animated films, have you seen “The South Park Movie” from 1999? This literally has a gay pride song in it, as I recall, which could possibly be compared to “I.M.” Just asking.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I saw the movie in 7th grade. I was slightly too young to understand every connotation, but I watched it a few years later, and loved it. Yeah, the ”gay song” is quite catchy and works in the context. I mean, he’s not presented in a quite positive light, but neither is anyone else, so it works. The thing with a lot of ”musical theater” songs is that they are very context-bound, so sometimes they can be perceived differently if they have topic-related lyrics (another reason why Sister was hard to stage).

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

I just saw your comment after I wrote my own and we both pretty much went with Disney villain. I love it!
The flute drop is so Israeli revamp that I’m not even remotely surprised. They always seem to have their song, panic, think “this is not ethnic enough” and throw something in that doesn’t belong. I find it completely lost within the rest of the song and just overwhelming.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

I am really glad that we both saw a potential for a Disney / animated film villain ego-boost entry. 🙂

apollinischesprinzip
apollinischesprinzip
1 year ago

worst song of this year easily… annoying, pretentious and dated…

for anyone who sees any quality in this…

for me 2/10 (would be one if micheal wasn’t a consistent vocalist)

so far my top:

  1. Armenia 8/10
  2. Romania 6,5/10
  3. North Macedonia 5/10
  4. Israel 2/10
Liki
1 year ago

Lolllll worst tatse ever..Roamania is so old from the 90 and boring song..Sure Israel song is better than Romania.

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago
Reply to  Liki

There are no “boring songs” in 2022?

The Voice of Reason
The Voice of Reason
1 year ago

I think this will do better certainly than Malta’s song that tries too hard at what this song does best. But the singer, Michael, if he gets Turin is gonna put on a show for us and already we know he will sing this song well live, possibly better than the singers of Austria and Czech Republic’s songs, so he will have the advantage there. This song was at the bottom of my rankings but recently started to climb up because of that catchy chorus filling my head at random times.

apollinischesprinzip
apollinischesprinzip
1 year ago

first you need a good song, which austria and czech republic have and Israel doesn’t.

Liki
1 year ago

Yes whatever you say..first you need a good vocals and stage presence which Israel have and lots others doesn’t.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago

The thing with Malta is that it is possible that it’s going to receive a high jury score, since juries tend to go with these kinds of songs (unfortunately) . It will be very low in the televote possibly (I don’t like this song at all), but if the jury support is adequate it might marginally make it. Israel is most probably doomed from the start because neither the televote nor the jury vote will support it

Dawid
Dawid
1 year ago

Everything is better than Malta song though. I am what I am sounds like background music in woman hygiene product comercial

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago

Let’s start with the positives: Michael has a powerful voice, and he can move on stage very well. So one would think a dance track with musical theatre elements would be just the ticket. Certainly the song starts very well with an extremely theatrical intro. Then the beat drops softly ( in the revamp version) before we get… oh no. Speaking over the melody – this is where is goes wrong for me. So, my advice to Michael would be: Unless you’re Nicki Minaj and you have a nice and comedic nasal speaking voice, don’t talk over the verse of… Read more »

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

To be honest, I haven’t actually focused too much on the good parts of this song due to the many elements of it that don’t work in any way for me. But, now that you mention, Michael does do a rather good job with the rap section and it flows pretty well. It is actually one of the least bad (best I can do, sorry!) parts of the song to my ears.

Pandaman
Pandaman
1 year ago

If they added 5-second fragments of hard rock music, ethno anthem and EDM, this song could easily serve as a recap of the whole semi-final it’s in.

Liki
1 year ago

Good luck to Michael.
He is an excellent preformer and vocalist.
Becouse of that he can make it to the final.

Tom
Tom
1 year ago

Awful song

Lil Krumpy
1 year ago

16.Israel – This is a gay anthem. And what a performance. Serving SASS. Dynamic. The revamp added Middle Eastern instrumentation.

Pete
Pete
1 year ago
Reply to  Lil Krumpy

I’m gay, and it ain’t my anthem. The song is just a book example of kitch, gay stereotype exaggeration, tasteless pop dancy RuPaul B side trashy song. nothing positive about it

Maa
Maa
1 year ago
Reply to  Pete

Same.

Doris
Doris
1 year ago

4/10 before revamp 2/10 after

Dav
Dav
1 year ago

for me it is just another israel traditional pinkwashing

Paul
Paul
1 year ago
Reply to  Dav

Just like Brividi

Patrick
Patrick
1 year ago

3.5/10

Polegend Godnova
1 year ago

i’m conflicted about this song. i like how it sounds (although the swish swish beat was better than the revamp one), but i don’t like how they basically just wrote the most stereotyping gay song they could come up with for michael. i don’t think the lgbt community needs this caricaturesque representation right now. this is how all gays used to be depicted here until a decade or so ago and the general feeling was: yeah, they’re fun for entertainment, but let’s not even discuss about giving them rights.

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago

I can understand the historical context of your point, but I think it’s misjudged. As far as I am aware, there is no mention of sexuality in Michael’s lyrics. I honestly don’t know what his sexuality is and why should it matter, it is of absolutely no interest to me? Why could this not be a heterosexual performance? Masculinity needs to be reclaimed, why can’t men perform in the way Michael performs without there being a link to his sexuality? For me, his sexual preferences have absolutely nothing to do with my enjoyment of his performance.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Kosey

Sassy attitude and sexual preference aren’t linked, but I understand the concerns over them being linked in a negative way in the past. I want us to get past that as a society, but I also understand the concerns of guys who are both sassy and gay, and don’t want that to be seen as a negative (because it’s not). And yes, I agree 100% about re-claiming masculinity. Men can be gay or straight, assertive or shy, into cars, fashion or both, and still be equally masculine.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

Thanks Colin. I think it’s sometimes important to separate the intentions behind a song from our own interpretations. I interpret this song as camp, which in turn implies it’s a song about being proud to be gay. However, this may not have been the intention at all. Some fans have even suggested that the song is negatively showcasing campness, and this does make me uncomfortable because of my own personal past (as I explained to Kosey).

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

There is a certain arrogance in the way this is presented, which doesn’t help its case IMHO. As I said in my review, I could see it in an animated film. For example, as campier version of Tamaoa’s song from Moana. It would suit an antagonist, or at least a character who wants to present themselves as self-important and imposing at the time. There is a ”worship me” element in this camp, which could be seen as fun or annoying. I think that the intention was fun and empowering, so I really don’t hold it against anyone involved. Their intentions… Read more »

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago
Reply to  Colin

What about the guys who are sassy and straight? What do the views of this board say to them?

I think the message they are getting is, “you better hide that sassiness because you don’t want to be confused for being gay”.

I’m not sure bashing Michael only for the essence of his performance is going to help us move forward. We need to demolish the link between sass and sexual preference, not reinforce it.

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Kosey

We need to demolish it indeed. But we still need to be aware that it was there, so I can understand guys who are annoyed with it. But sure, I wish if sassiness could be displayed by both straight and gay guys (and women) if they feel like it. My issues with the entry mostly lie elsewhere, but I understand the appeal too. Michael is such a great performer.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Kosey

The “link” for me comes from bullying in school. I had a high voice, I wore posh shoes, I walked with a swagger, I did musical theatre and often wore make-up for that – I was called “gay” literally every day at school, and on some days I was beaten for it. I was also told to end my own life. I didn’t have any sexual feelings until I was 16/17, so being bullied at school was entirely down to this stereotype. However, I was also very much alone at school, and if I saw Michael’s song back then, I… Read more »

Colin
Colin
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

I am sorry to hear this, and I think you are brave for sharing. I was also bullied in primary school because I liked to daydream, and was perceived as less athletic. I can somewhat relate to that struggle, even if for some different aspects. I consider myself visually gender-conforming, but I saw how much gender stereotyping can harm others. I wish that a day comes where someone’s sexuality or gender expression can’t harm them in society. I guess that we can mostly help in our own circle of friends and family, but it takes a lot of people united… Read more »

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Yes, it does. I am not diminishing anyone’s difficult experiences, I have tons of empathy for that. My point is if heterosexual men are not allowed to act like and enjoy Michael’s performance, we have a big problem as a society. I think we have the same point just coming from different perspectives. Being camp does not equate to being gay, we need to encourage more straight men to act like Michael if that is what they want to do. The extravagance does not change your sexuality. So bashing Michael for giving a stereotypically “gay” performance does not help. Just… Read more »

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago

Hello. While I disagree with you on the musical change (because I like the re-vamp sound better), I do agree that watching a man’s “campness” being used as entertainment makes me uncomfortable. I thought this was a part of history, until I saw this song, and now I’m not so sure. Of course, it can be interpreted differently, and it will no doubt be celebrated by some of the ESC audience, but I feel your opinion.

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Is Michael’s “campness” being used as entertainment? Why can’t we just accept that is the person he is and enjoy his performance for what it is? Are we making the same judgments about every other performer in the contest? Why do we need to be so judgmental?

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
1 year ago
Reply to  Kosey

Interesting debate. I have some counter-questions: What if we asked Michael, as a singer and dancer, to perform the song differently? Would we still interpret it as camp because of the music and the lyrics, or is it Michael’s chosen performance interpretation that makes it camp? It’s clear that I don’t have real answers to these questions, hence I only have more questions. I must assume that as Michael is a very capable performer, then he must be choosing campness as his form of entertainment. And, for the most part, I do enjoy it, because he’s good at it. For… Read more »

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago
Reply to  Purple Mask

Interesting questions here. I don’t know Michael and haven’t had the time to research but authenticity is important to me, so if I considered this was all a “show” and had no essence of truth in it then it would reduce my enjoyment (accepting that all performance is a show to some degree). I am not doubting there are problems in society. I don’t like talking about my past but I actually had a similar childhood experience to yourself but I am not gay (although I come from the school of thought that sexuality is a sliding scale rather than… Read more »

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago

I don’t want to be unfair because only Michael will know if this is truly representative and authentic to himself and what he wants to put out their in terms of his music, presentation and personality or if he’s literally being asked to be act like a caricature that isn’t in any way reflective of anything genuine about him.
If it is the latter as you suggest, then that’s a really sad approach for the people behind this entry to take but I’d like to think that Michael thinks more of himself than to allow that to be the case.

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago

15. Israel – Michael Ben David – I.M – 7.5/10 – Michael is such a wonderful character and his personality drips through every pore of this song. The production is perhaps a little too incoherent with lots of competing sounds and there is an element of repetition as the song reaches its conclusion but Michael is central to everything about this track and he shines as bright as any shooting star. Not many performers could pull off a song like this, but Michael can and I expect him to do very well with the televote in Turin.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago
Reply to  Kosey

I don’t think anyone can argue that MBD is the exact sort of performer you want to put forward a song like this. For the purpose of the song, I think he delivers as well as you could possibly expect.
I just don’t know how much of an audience there is for exactly what the song is going for.

Kosey
Kosey
1 year ago
Reply to  Briekimchi

The performance is such a visual feast that it will certainly be memorable. My judgment is that it will be memorable for positive reasons and people will vote for it but of course I could have misjudged that.

Yannis
Yannis
1 year ago

He should use the “Live on tape” with the first version of the song that was sooo much better IMO.. I think it’s the best option, the song didn’t needed a revamp..

finnished
finnished
1 year ago

This is probably rhe most awkward song of the year.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago

39. Israel: I don’t like this song at all. The revamp made it look more polished than before but I still find it trashy. Musically it’s completely uninteresting to me. Michael’s showmanship, confidence and charisma may help it a bit but I don’t think it will be enough given that the song is what it is and he also performs second in the semi. I think it doesn’t stand any chances of qualifying.

Briekimchi
Briekimchi
1 year ago
Reply to  Thanos

I don’t how important the running order is in the semi finals this year as the event organisers have definitely made a concerted attempt to put a different kind of entry in those #2 slots, songs that would traditionally suit being the show openers to be honest.
I do think this will struggle to qualify though.

Escfan
Escfan
1 year ago

I think he is a great artist, but unfortunately I don’t think he will qualify. It will be either him or WRS, and people will choose Llame over this, which is more fun and catchy

Polegend Godnova
1 year ago
Reply to  Escfan

i think it’ll be neither really. they’ll cancel each other out. michael is objectively a stronger, more energetic performer which will give him the edge in the jury vote, for wrs i can see a reverse roxen type of result which overall results in nq.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago

Yes I think neither will qualify. SF2 is musically more diverse than the first semi, where Romania or Israel would perhaps have more chances to stand out. Both of their running orders are also not favourable.

apollinischesprinzip
apollinischesprinzip
1 year ago
Reply to  Thanos

lol none of them would’ve qualified in either of the semis.

Thanos
Thanos
1 year ago

Agree I dislike both songs they are both in my bottom 5. Perhaps in a semi filled with more slow tempo songs at least one of them could have attracted votes from people wanting something more uptempo. But yes both these songs don’t deserve to qualify really.