It’s that time again. Time for Israel to select a representative for the upcoming Eurovision Song Contest to take place this May in Amsterdam.

As Israel has done for the past five years, the country’s contestant will be selected in a reality singing contest called “HaKochav Haba L’erevision” (the next star to the Eurovision). The show is hosted by Assi Azar and Rotem Sela, and features judges Assaf Amdursky, Static and Ben-El Tavori, Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, and new judge Itay Levi.

The new season began on Wednesday night, and wasted no time in showcasing some strong contenders.

HaKochav Haba: The process

Each contestant begins singing behind a screen that descends onto the stage. The audience can see the performer, but the performer cannot see the audience. As they sing, a “thermometer” graphic remains on the left side of the screen, rising as the studio audience decides whether or not they like the contestant. The judges vote as well, choosing a blue light if they are in favor of the contestant, and a red light if not. Each judge’s vote is worth eight percentage points.

If the contestant reaches 70%, the screen rises and they are face-to-face with the audience, knowing that they have made it to the next round.

Though I’ve watched quite a few clips of shows in past years, this may have been the first complete episode I’ve seen. I was certainly not disappointed. Unlike other singing competitions, there are no “duds” here. Each contestant (at least in the first episode) was a strong singer, though not all advanced to the next round.

Here are a few highlights from the first episode of the season.

The youth steal the show

Two 16 year olds certainly stole the show on its first evening. The very first contestant of the season, as well as the final contestant of the night, both advanced to the next round with solid performances.

The first contestant, adorable 16-year-old Ella-Li Lahav from Shoham, truly knocked it out of the park with her beyond-her-years rendition of “You Don’t Own Me”.

Ella-Li earned a whopping 95% of the vote, as all five judges applauded her with a blue light. Ella-Li was moved to tears by the love of the audience. Judge Assaf Amdursky – usually the most critical of the bunch – told Ella-Li, “if you take control of your fate, the sky’s the limit for you.” Host Assi Azar: “THIS is how you start a season!”

The final contestant of the episode was 16-year-old redhead Or Amrami Brokman from Tel Aviv. While the show spent some time focusing on the fact that Or was the adopted son (at the age of 1.5) of two fathers, his performance may have been the most unexpected moment of the evening.

Or presented Hanan Ben Ari‘s “Ma Ata Rotzeh Mimeni” with the stage presence of a seasoned veteran. The audience and judges LOVED him, honoring him with an 89% rating. However, as the song ended, Assaf Amdursky hadn’t yet voted. If he gives him a blue light, he’ll hit 97%. That’s the highest score EVER achieved in six seasons of “HaKochav Haba”.

Assaf’s light turns blue, and history is made. “I can’t wait to see you in the finale,” says Static.

A celebrity contestant

Ohad Shragai is a member of “Elai Botner & Yaldei HaChutz”. He also co-wrote last year’s Eurovision entry, “Home” by Kobi Marimi. In his words, after watching last years contest from behind the scenes, he said, “WTF? Why am I not there?” Even though he was a previous contestant on “Kochav Nolad” and has been performing for years, however, he tells us he’s still terrified to take the stage this evening.

He needn’t have worried. Ohad takes his place behind the piano, and presents a slow, soulful version of Whitney Houston’s “I Wanna Dance With Somebody” that was very, very well-received.

Itay Levi was moved. Shiri Maimon commented, “I can see you in Holland on the piano”. But Keren Peles loved it most. “You are my winner,” she said.

Raviv Kaner is our hero

But THIS is what often makes Israeli reality shows simply exceptional. Midway through the show, a young man whose right arm is full of tattoos enters with an entourage. It’s 25-year-old Raviv Kaner of Nes Tziona, and Rotem Sela thinks he looks like Bradley Cooper. As they chat, we learn that Raviv fought in 2014’s Operation Protective Edge – and lost FOUR friends in battle. Turns out the tattoos all are in memory of the buddies he lost.

While we can all identify with the pain of loss, it hits a lot harder when an IDF soldier falls in battle.

Raviv impresses everyone by singing “Angels” by Robbie Williams, earning a score of 93% and 5 “yes” votes from the judges.

Shiri Maimon: “You are a hero for all of us.”
Assaf Amdursky: “All the pain you’ve experienced has built you as a person – and built you as a singer.”
Itay Levi simply wants to give him a hug.

Can’t wait for more “HaKochav Haba”

All in all, a great first episode, filled with touching moments, explosive performances, a few surprise rejections, and fun throughout. You can watch full episodes on Mako’s web site, or follow the show on Facebook or Instagram for clips and highlights.

Who will be Israel’s next representative to the Eurovision Song Contest? Only time will tell.