On this International Women’s Day 2021, we learned a great deal about women in Israeli music.

We learned how women create less than a quarter of all Israeli music, and how most songs released in Israel (and around the world) are created by men.

Let’s not think, however, that women are voiceless in the music of Israel. While they still have a way to go, Israel’s female singers have achieved fame and notoriety while producing some of Israel’s most beloved musical classics.

So we thought it would be fun if we presented a top 10 list of the most successful women in Israeli music today. While this list is sure to exclude lots of exceptional candidates…hey, we call ’em as we see ’em.

But we’d like to hear your list as well. Who’s missing? Who are the most influential female singers in your world?

10. Netta Barzilai

Talk about creativity! No one creates music as creatively as Netta. Winner of Eurovision 2018 for Israel, Netta proves time and time again that she’s no one-trick pony. You may not like Netta’s unique style, but it’s all part of the fun. Whether she’s putting out quirky original songs like “Ricki Lake” or reimagining Bob Dylan classics, Netta’s a musical genius. Here’s hoping her creative juices continue to flow for many years to come.

9. Noa Kirel

Let’s face it. Noa Kirel is a marketing machine. She’s found the magic formula, and she’s ready to take it to the big time. Her imminent arrival into the cutthroat USA market will certainly put her to the test, but for now, Noa’s sitting pretty atop the highest earners of the Israeli music industry. She has an army of young girls following her every move, and she’s very happy to give them makeup tips, fashion advice, or app suggestions (with encouragement from the highest bidder, of course). But should we sound too cynical, please remember that Noa’s still our hero. She took a strong stand by joining the Israel Defense Forces, and we couldn’t be prouder of her success.

8. Shiri Maimon

When it comes to powerful women in Israeli music, Shiri continues to inspire. Shiri is one of those products of Israel that you just can’t help but show off to the rest of the world. Broadway star? Check. Celebrity spokesperson? Yup, for SeboCalm. Reality TV judge? Sure, and product of one as well. The first Israeli artist to sing in the UAE? Shiri’s your gal. The music of Shiri Maimon may not get as much local airplay as some other Israeli artists, but Shiri knows how to play the game nonetheless. On a list of influential females in Israeli music, Shiri Maimon cannot be overlooked.

7. Eden Alene

It’s pretty clear that Eden Alene is the current darling of the Israeli music industry, and it’s easy to see why. Eden is bursting with talent, having won not one but TWO TV reality contests in Israel since 2018. Miss Alene will represent Israel in Eurovision 2021 with the song “Set Me Free”, and her honesty and humility throughout the selection process have made her especially relatable. Eden is the “girl next door” who is set to explode onto a world stage – and she is fully deserving of all the success she can get.

6. Ofra Haza

Most influential in 2021? We think so. Yes, she’s been gone for more than 20 years, yet her spectacular presence continues to resonate throughout the Israeli music industry. In her short 42 years on earth, Ofra Haza connected with every facet of Israeli society. Her “rags to riches” story remains an inspiration to many, and her beloved repertoire is as relevant as ever. Ofra’s purity, humility, and grace continue to add relevance to her exceptional musical career, all these years later. Her star continues to shine brilliantly.

5. Keren Peles

This musical mastermind is such a presence, on stage and off. Keren Peles is single-handedly responsible for much of the modern-day soundtrack of Israel, both in songs she writes for herself as well as for others. Keren’s collaborated with the best of the best, and has even launched successful careers with her powerful songwriting capabilities. In addition to her work as a singer/songwriter, Keren is now fully entrenched in the career of Raviv Kaner, having written two hit songs for him that just won’t quit. Need to jumpstart your musical career in a hurry? Call Keren.

4. Eden Ben Zaken

Eden may just be the reigning queen of Israeli music in 2021. Hit after hit, she remains entrenched within the ears of the Israeli public, and keeps reinventing her style to remain relevant. A comical duet with Omer Adam? No sweat. A collaboration with Nathan Goshen? Easy as pie. And when Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu wanted to reach the ears of the nation during Chanukah, Eden was his hand-picked choice for a partner. She can sing, she can dance…and she can draw a crowd like the best of ’em. And at only 26, she’s just getting started.

3. Nurit Galron

As strange as it is to see this veteran Israeli singer on the list, Nurit’s many accomplishments cannot be overlooked. Just shy of 70, Nurit Galron seems busier in 2021 than ever, with a solid string of hits that have kept her very much in the public eye. Sure, there are others in her general age group still active, like Chava Alberstein, Riki Gal, and Yehudit Ravitz. Nurit just seems busier of late, not to mention that her voice sounds pretty darn good. We wish her the very best as her career enters its next phase.

2. Miri Mesika

Currently in the prime of her career, 42 year old Miri Mesika appears to have achieved cult-like status in Israel. She’s developed a stage presence which begs audiences to sit up and take notice, and her powerful vocals quickly take the listening experience to new heights. Miri is equally comfortable on stage as she is on television, and her many appearances on reality tv have helped make her a household name. She also appears supremely comfortable in the limelight, a comfort level brought about by many years of solid experience in the public eye.

1. Sarit Hadad

At 42 years old, Sarit Hadad has been in the showbiz game for a long time. Since she was 16, to be exact. When you spend so many years singing, performing, and touring, you develop a status within the industry that is a cut above the rest. Sarit was named “best female singer of the 2000s” in 2009 – and that was 11 years ago! In the years that followed, Sarit only cemented herself as an icon in the local music scene, and is showing no signs of slowing down.

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So, who’d we miss? Of course we know full well that this is not a conclusive list, nor do our rankings pull any weight whatsoever in the real world. However, it is clear that there is a tremendous amount of female talent in Israeli music today, with many other artists pulling in big numbers and rising through the ranks.

Who is your all-time favorite female singer in Israel?