Israel have had rather mixed results in the semi-final era so far with 5 out of 10 qualifications to the final, but they last qualified in 2010, and they haven’t been in the top 10 in the final since Bo’az Mauda in 2008 – which is their worst run of results since they first entered Eurovision in 1973. Will this year’s entry change their run of bad luck?

Last year saw the return of the televised Kdam as Israel’s method of choosing their Eurovision entry, but after poor viewing figures and a disappointing result from Moran Mazor, Mei Finegold – a graduate of Kokhav Nolad, Israel’s version of Pop Idol, in which she finished in third place in 2009 – was internally selected by Israeli broadcaster IBA. The selection of Mei was not without some controversy either! Mei hadn’t completed her national service, which is compulsory in Israel unless you have good reason, and previously there was a clause that you had to have completed your service to represent Israel at Eurovision. However, IBA relaxed this rule and Mei was eventually allowed to go to Copenhagen.

A three song national final followed, with promo videos for all three entries being shot. All three songs were pretty decent, but it was Same Heart which eventually won after a week of voting with 55% of the total vote, with the second placed song receiving 40% of the vote, and the song written by Mei herself bringing up the rear with just 5%. Mei herself said her favourite was Same Heart, though, so I don’t expect she is too disappointed her own song did not win! The winning entry is a modern dance song sung both in English and Hebrew with a rather spectacular key change. It also provides us with one of the most interesting lyrics of Eurovision 2014 with the line “I’m skinning you out” – I’m not EXACTLY sure what this means though! Perhaps Mei can enlighten us in Copenhagen. What stands out the most, though, are Mei’s vocals. She’s not your typical run-of-the-mill pop singer. Her voice is deep and smoky and has a rock edge to it, and this definitely gives a harder edge to the song.

My verdict: Despite being drawn second in the second semi final, I think Israel have a decent chance of qualifying.  Unlike other years, there are very few songs of this type in the running so I think it will stand out, especially with Mei’s unique vocals. However, this type of song completely hinges on the live performance. Previous fan favourites like Kati Wolf, Kate Ryan and Xandee did badly on the night due to weak performances, and apart from one solitary performance of the song performed last weekend in a night club in Tel Aviv, there have been no other performances of the song for the world to see. Therefore, it’s very difficult to judge just how well it will do without having seen a proper live performance. I’ll have a better idea when Mei sets foot on the Eurovision stage for her first rehearsal on Tuesday 29th April at 1530 CET. Until then, I’m provisionally placing her in the top 10. For me personally, it’s the type of song that is right up my street and reminiscent of the type of music I listen to outside of Eurovision and therefore it is firmly lodged in my own top 5. I’ll be keeping all my fingers and toes crossed that Mei can deliver.

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