Those complaining about Australia’s inclusion in the Eurovision Song Contest, even though we’re not actually in Europe will do well to remember that Israel (in Western Asia) has been part of the competition since 1973.
They’ve done quite well in that time, winning three times, most recently thanks to Dana International’s ‘Diva’ back in 1998.
Since 2011 however, the Israelis have failed to qualify for the Grand Final on four occasions, improving to finish ninth overall last year, thanks to Nadav Guedj’s ‘Golden Boy’.
Their eyes are on the prize again this year, with the English language single ‘Made Of Stars’, to be performed by 29 year old performer Hovi Star, a former Israeli ‘Idol’ contestant.
It’s a big pop ballad with vocals that are scarily reminiscent in parts of Anthony Callea’s, while those stars Hovi sings of are, for the most part, drones, peppering the night sky with their lights.
Australia's first stop for pop!