The End of "HaKochav Haba"? Kan Broadcasting Plans New Eurovision Selection Format in 2021

The hosts and judges of "HaKochav Haba 2020": (l-r) Assaf Amdursky, Itay Levi, Keren Peles, Rotem Sela, Assi Azar, Shiri Maimon, Ben-El Tavori, Static (photo: Ronen Ackerman) — The stars of “HaKochav Haba” 2020: (l-r) Assaf Amdursky, Itay Levy, Keren Peles, Rotem Sela, Assi Azar, Shiri Maimon, Ben-El Tavori, Static (Photo: Ronen Ackerman)

The new season of “HaKochav Haba” is well underway, with a parade of contestants competing to representing Israel in Eurovision 2020.

The reality show that made Netta Barzilai a household name around the world is breaking ratings records this year, Maariv reports. But Kan Broadcasting, the final authority in Israel on all things Eurovision, has announced that it will no longer utilize the reality show to select Israel’s representative.

A number of Eurovision blogs are reporting that Kan will switch to a different format in 2021, inviting television producers to submit their ideas and proposals. “HaKochav Haba” is produced by Keshet 12 TV, but Kan Broadcasting – operators of Israel’s Channel 11 – wants to maintain full control over the Eurovision selection process.

The return of the Kdam Eurovision?

Boaz Sharabi’s “Halevai” competed in the 1986 Pre-Eurovision, coming in last place in the competition.

Many have speculated that this could lead to the return of the “Kdam” Pre-Eurovision Song Contest, immensely popular in the 1980s and 90s. In the annual “Kdam”, a variety of singers and songs would be presented. Viewers and judges would vote for their favorite, which would then go on to represent Israel in the Eurovision.

In this format, many songs that didn’t win the Pre-Eurovision would still go on to become huge hits in Israel. In 1986, for example, Moti Giladi & Sarai Tzuriel won the Kdam with “Yavo Yom” – while Rita emerged with a huge hit called “Shvil HaBricha”. Boaz Sharabi also competed that year with his hit, “Halevai” – which came in LAST in the competition.

Rita sings “Shvil HaBricha” (Escape Route) at the Pre-Eurovision Song Contest in 1986

Israel experimented with a Pre-Eurovision contest a number of times in the 2000s, generally with disappointing Eurovision results. (One exception was the selection of Shiri Maimon‘s “HaSheket SheNishar”, coming in 4th place overall in 2005.)

Shiri Maimon at the Kdam in 2005

What’s next for Israel in the Eurovision?

So for now, we’ll just have to wait and see what materializes. The Eurovision is a national pastime in Israel, so it will be interesting to see where the country goes from here.

How do you think Israel should select its Eurovision representative? What’s your favorite Israeli Eurovision song? Let us know in the comments.

MyIsraeliMusic.com