Israel in Eurovision: All songs from 1973-2018 - Reaction

[@Adrian-S.]

Your review was amusing, but some fun facts: 1. 1974 Poogy (Kaveret) - most popular group in Israel history. That song lyrics were actually super strong - the best lyrics Israel has sent; all members became real stars on their own, true musicians, and active even today. 2. 1975 Shlomo Artzi - most popular male vocalist in Israel history. He sold more records than anyone else in Israel, ever. 3. 1990 Rita - most popular female vocalist in Israel history - sold more records than everyone else - except Shlomo Artzi. And it was so funny that you didn't care for any of theme! LOL, hilarious! But I agree - Shiri Maimon (2005) is the queen and arguably the best song Israel sent, including the winners.... Good video, I enjoyed it!

[@rotem-shmueli]

You are a little bit incorrect with those "facts". It's hard to say that Kaveret is the most popular group in Israel because even though they really like "the Israeli Beatles", they were together for a really short time so it's hard to crown them over Mashina, Etnix and a few more successful bands that lasted for years. Rita isn't the most popular female vocalist in Israel history and that's for sure. Ilanit, Ofra Haza, Yardena Arazi, Sarit Hadad, Miri Mesika and a few more female vocalist are way more successful and famous in Israel (you can check out "female singer of the year" statistics to see that Rita is nowhere near them). also, few years ago Eyal Golan passed Shlomo Artzi and sold more records than him, but these statistics are not verified and it's really hard to say.

[@Michaelcohen4483]

Eyal Golan is great but Shlomo Artzi is classic! He is a part of Israeli History, a national treasure like Arik Einstein

[@jackydelarea853]

You must be an adviser to the eurovision song contest 2019.🏆 Love from israel👍

[@ESCunited]

Sign me up!!!!!

[@trixicenby999]

Israel have been a great country in the history in Eurovision

[@משהכהן-ת7מ]

@DanRage47 fuck u

[@sannev8407]

@DanRage47 You can't deny Israel is a great Eurovision country. And, you don't have to be in Europe, you just have to be part of EBU. What about the Caucasus countries or Australia?

[@Mushlemet111]

@DanRage47 go fuck yourself

[@gloopyploops9247]

@Rosesponge it hasn't been a good country tho

[@lucaswallo8127]

@@Mushlemet111 Why do you say that

[@kjESCil]

My reactions: 1973 - A really good song! Great debut 1974 - It seems enjoyable. I didn't know this one yet 1975 - I didn't know this one either. It's alright but not outstandingly good 1976 - Same as 1975 1977 - Great song! Underrated 1978 - This might be one of my favourite winners! Awesome 1979 - Another good winner 1981 - Seems like a good entry. Didn't hear it yet 1982 - Great song! 1983 - YES! I love this one 1985 - Catchy and very enjoyable 1986 - I don't mind this song actually 1987 - YES I LOVE THIS 1988 - I like this one a lot 1989 - They should've created JESC earlier. But the song is not bad 1990 - A nice song 1991 - YES! One of my favourite songs ever and obviously my favourite Israeli entry ever

[@Eurovision2019-e4o]

Shiri Maimon 2005 the Best!

[@ESCunited]

No disagreement here :D

[@The-Streetfighter.]

ESCunited Shiri is now playing Roxie heart in Chicago on Brodway Starting in September 2018

[@markmager1339]

Thank you from Israel😍

[@giladeilon3452]

Thank you so much from Israel love you Matt

[@gilview4639]

Thank you Matt for taking the time to do this! :) I'll take the time and effort to reply. It's great to see which artists Israel sent over the years, some of them are doing amazingly well until today. My favorites: 1975 - Shlomo Artzi is the most successful Israeli singer ever. This is one of my favorite songs (outside Eurovision!) and it's close to my heart, it represents an Israeli vibe of the 70's which I miss. 1978 + 1985 - Abanibi + ole ole, I LOVE them, both make me dance every time. 1979 - Haleluia - an all time classic, just beautiful, we don't have songs like this anymore. 1983 - Ofra Haza RIP, bless her heart. 1999 - It's embarrassing but it's my all time favorite birthday song hit, pure fun! gotta play it. 2005 - Everything about Shiri - Winner Winner Winner. Such a great song and voice. 2015 - Golden boy - when this kid brought Israel back to the final I almost had an heart attack at that moment. He did SO well, GREAT vibe. 2016 - Hovi was underrated, such a talent, a beautiful performance. 2018 - Major heart attack = TOY winning. Of course, the QUEEN, I have so much respect for Netta musically and personally. It's a dream come true, can't believe she did it. Such a worthy winner!

[@roy.moreno]

The singer of 2007 (Push The Button) came to my school this year to perform a few songs All I could think of is his Eurovision bad song and result xD When he started talking about his Eurovision experience (and eventually, performing it to us) literally all my friends looked at me 😂😂😂😂

[@doronitz]

Great video Matt! You cracked me up with your comment about the 80’s choreography lol. Dana International is one of the best winners ever in Eurovision, the song was great and thanks to her Israel became way more liberal and open minded. Looking forward to see you guys in Israel next year :)

[@artysplash5969]

Israel was already very open minded then and liberated, unlike most of the participating countries there, because otherwise Israel wouldn't send on a such very important contest an open trans person!!! She was the first one there like this and it made a huuuge impact more into Eurovision than Israel. Tel Aviv is considered a heaven for all kind of gay people for a very very long time. Much before Dana International.

[@Efi_C]

Aww thank you for all the compliments ^^

[@realmenchangediapers]

I totally agree, let's pretend the song from 2000 never happened. I think most of us agree. The 1976 song that you found unremarkable actually had a really strong hidden political message. The lyrics were "Come and say hello (shalom), I have been waiting for almost 30 years". You might think it's about a woman almost in her 30s singing to her mr. Right asking him to show up and say hi. But as this was sent in the midst of the Israeli-Egyptian peace negotiations, it is much more likely Israel saying to its neighbors "Come and say shalom - peace. I've been waiting for almost 30 years". And 1976 was 28 years since the establishment of the Israel.

[@morena411]

Mattt we love you!!!

[@danielnaorr]

So many of these are iconic Israeli songs to this date. Like the birthday song? It’s really the main song we use when we surprise our loved ones. I love it so much.

[@OO-bx3vs]

THANK U!!! that was sooooo on point and I actually agree with ALL ...first time....LOL... I've been following u and I knew you love Israel and I thank you for that and I believe it is genuine n very objective, a few highlights...Yes ILANIT, both songs amazing, the 2nd should have been much better than 11th place... Hallelujah 1979 one of BEST winner ever, Israel best entry...LOVE the 80's Israel dominated the 80's at the Eurovision except 1986 agreed. BTW 1990 Shara Bar'chovot RITA, I know it was 19th place out of 20, but the song is BRILLIANT!!! I think it was a head of time for Eurovision but one of my ALL time most amazing melody/song ever the studio version, check it out....in 1991 I like Carola but Israel Kan Duo Datz that lost and got 3rd place by only 6 points, should have WON!!! Yes LIORA 1995 master piece, Yes Dana 1998 great amazing winner though one of my all time favorite is Imani UK 2nd place 1998. the 2000 entry bad joke, is the WORST song ever for Israel in the contest, bringing me to the 2nd BEST in the contest should have won and would have WON if the jury voting was like it was this year... 2005 SHIRI Maimon, AMAZING, I call for the return of Shiri to represent Israel AGAIN!!! meanwhile she is the NEW ROXY in Chicago the musical from Sep 2018 in BROADWAY....I thought Golden Boy 2015 was brilliant and should have been higher in results but still much respect and I agree the year 2015 that everything has changed for Israel in a way.....and of course NETA 2018, who is the most amazing person, God's chosen woman to change the society and culture in Israel and in the world, to inspire and cheer up sooooo many millions all over the world, what an amazing win, what an Idol for kids!!! and the most You tube viewers in Eurovision history so NO WONDER. Brilliant song and a beautiful brilliant singer. See ya next year in ISRAEL 2019.

[@oren987]

great video :)

[@tomast7339]

few nice facts about the Israeli artist in the Eurovision: 1. Ilanit was supposed to return in 1984 but the same year the eurovision was the same day as the memorial day so Israel could not compete that year. Ilanit could have been the only singer from Israel who sent more then twice 2. Ilanit sang the opening songs for three classic animes: The wizard of Oz, Anne of Green Gables and 3000 Leagues in Search of Mother. These anime are three of the first five anime ever dubbed to hebrew. 3. the female singer from "Hakol over Habibi" (1981) is the voice actress of Ariel (little mermaid) and Odette (the swan princess) 4. Ofra Haza (RIP) voiced Moses's mom in prince of egypt in 17 language. I miss her. She had so pure voice 5. Duo Datz were kids star. they had multiple films for young children. almost every kid who was born in the 90's growed up with their films. They divorced in 2006 6. 1993 was maybe the worst year for Isreal in eurovision. we got only 4 points! 7. there was big controversy about sending Dana. A lots of religous group though that sending transgender woman would be big disgrace. It so good to see they were worng and Dana was pure DIVA 8. Shiri Maimon was the first Israeli eurovision singer who was finalist in the reality TV SHOW "A star is born". This is the Isreali version of America Idol. She made it to the finale n the first season and got the 2nd place. But out of the three finalist, she has the most succesfull singing career. Boaz Mauda won the 5th season of A star is born (but like most of the 1st place winner he was overshadowed by the 2nd place winner). Harel Skaat, like Shiri, made it to the finale in the second season and won the 2nd place as well (and of course the winner overshadowed by him). Mei was finalist in the 7th season and got the 3rd place. She is the only 3rd place who begin music career. 10. start from 2015, the Israeli singers are the winners in another reallity tv show named "The next star to the eurovision", a competition that the prize is competing the eurovision. Hovi Star who won the 3rd season was in "the next star" was in "a star is born". he made it to the 7th place. 11. the "chicken noise" in "Toy" are not really chicken noise. This is in fact the japanease word "Baka". Baka = stupid. this is why she wore kimono.

[@Alibasova]

WOW, this video is great!! Thank you soooo much!

[@יובלקונסקר]

love this reaction

[@alonplayminecraft]

Kaveret was very much the Israeli Beatles, nice catch

[@swanskogjsson151]

Wow, this was good to listen to. My favourites from each decade: 1979, 1983, 1993, 2008, 2012.

[@Meg-ts3kx]

The Jewish Beatles comment killed me haha 😂

[@mayabrudo5348]

I love you so much!! My favourite songs: 2005, 2008, 2015, 2018 🔝❤ I from Israel and can't wait for Eurovision 2019 in my country 🇮🇱🇮🇱🇮🇱

[@מיכאלבראון-ר3ו]

Boaz 2008 song is wrote by Danna International

[@euro--towelie1890]

Excellent video! My favourites are: 1974, 1978, 1987, 1993, 2001, 2004, 2007 and 2012

[@daveelliott5855]

Must hand it Isreal have made some memorable songs, favourite has to be Shimi Maymon 2005 and cannot forget Izhar Cohan a legend prefer to listen in the native language, don't like all the English language songs now but thanks Isreal

[@NEOSOBASED]

A lot of love from israelllllll. thanks

[@el_naif]

I absolutely loved 1974, 1978, 1981, 1982, 1983 from the oldies. Rita deserved a much catchier song in 1990, like the one she competed with in Kdam 1986 (totally robbed). She is amazing to this day, btw. 2000 was EPIC to me, it's just so silly, trashy and naïve. (Trivia: The first time two men kissed on a Eurovision stage). Loved 2008, 2009, 2012 and 2018.

[@nura9098]

The 2000 entry was a joke by a group of journalists (none of them is a professional singer, as you can probably guess). They managed to troll the broadcasting company who were so angry at them that they wouldn't pay their expenses.

[@ravinmarokef]

Best songs by decade 1970s: 1974 (1973, 1978, and 1979 are all good though) 1980s: 1982 (followed by 1983 and 1985) 1990s: 1991 😍😍 (followed by 1998 which is also amazing) 2000s: 2005 (followed by 2002) 2010s: 2013 (followed by 2018, 2010/2015/2019)

[@MortenLongbottom]

Golden Boy was the best and Nadav was just 17 years old at that point

[@mayabrudo5348]

MortenLongbottom 16

[@christophergrevenerofficial]

1. Netta 2. Mei 3. Hovi One of the best eurovision countries imo 💕💕💕

[@nv8297]

My top 5 are 1. 2014 2. 2005 3. 2018 4. 2016 5. 2015

[@Lypi12345]

Great video! Love from Israel 💙💙

[@tzviacohen8139]

Matt thank you for this cheerful video . The song from 2000 was sent to the contest as a polytical joke. The singers were not even close to the art of singing they were and stayed anonymos untill now. What they cared about was waving the Syrian flag in their live show in order to express their sarkazm and not being supportive of the Israeli government back then. And by doing that they made lots of Israeli citizens very angry. That song was a real flop to us all Israeli eurovision fans!

[@yaronco5]

You’re good, This is so accurate, the good and the bad songs, without understanding Hebrew.

[@ESCunited]

Thank you.

[@gefen314]

Shiri is now on broadway and was the judge on israel x factor And harel is a judge on the show that decides who will represent israel on eurovision

[@OronIsrael]

Good songs!

[@danielshapira6473]

At 1987 they sing about a normal day and about singing "the lazies song"

[@eilat64]

Love you I’m from Israel 🇮🇱

[@godcandy108]

Those 1970s songs are a staple radio plays in Israel.

[@mirroroffthewall5932]

2008 is the best for sure!

[@barak219]

the thing about the 2000 song is this. in 1998 we won with dana and the 1999 show was a big and expensive endeavor for our little country and when we got spot number 5 with a song we didn't really think will be that great I guess we freaked and decided we wanted something really bad to make sure we have a ew more years to rest from hosting.

[@KondaaKage]

Most favorite songs: 70s: 1973 80s: 1983 90s: 1991 2000s: 2005, 2008 2010s: 2010, 2013 Worst song: 2000 obviously it was a mess.

[@yuvalmati]

Maybe Shiri Maimon will be the host and presenters in Eurovision 2019 which probably will be in Tel Aviv

[@memshin3]

Tel Aviv is not even biddin to host the competition. It's between Haifa and Jerusalem and I hope Haifa wins

[@yuvalmati]

you are wrong they are 4 cities more likely to host the eurovision and they are- tel aviv,eilat,jerusalem and haifa but the rumores says that tel aviv as chosen and it will be in Tel Aviv Convention Center Gnei Hataarucha memshin3

[@memshin3]

on may 13 it was published in Globs that the Mayor of Tel Aviv anounced that the city will not host the competition

[@עידוסולומיניק]

memshin3 Haifa can't host. It's now Tel Aviv vs Jerusalem

[@Tal_Zilberman17]

Shiri won't be in the 2019 eurovision, but she is helping to find the next singer that will represent israel

[@timoherrmann2818]

Oh, I absolutely love the 1990 entry!

[@dimpap3034]

I want to see reaction for all countries songs😥

[@dutchgamezzz5268]

Yeah

[@kennet7837]

My favorites: 1973, 1978, 1979, 1983, 2005 and 2015.

[@gefen314]

Thats crazy some are still really active in music

[@maaritlarinen9056]

Israel is my favourite country in Eurovision. Only a few duds (Yavo Yom, Amen, Hasheket Shenisar), but all it's song from 1973 upto 1985 are timeless classics! Plus, the second best winner ever with Diva! Words cannot express how much I love the Israeli entries. My top 10 1 Diva 2 Chai 3 Kan 4 Ey Sham 5 Hora 6 Toy 7 Ahava Hi Shir Lishnayim 8 Natati La Khaiai 9 Olé Olé 10 Shara Barchovot

[@christospanagiotidis6327]

AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA AAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAAA BE HAPPYYYYYYYYYYYYY !!!

[@pminch]

2005 was by far their best song. I really didn't think that Netta deserved to win this year but I am looking forward to visiting Tel-Aviv next year.

[@ליאבאלמליח-ו8י]

2005 🙌❤️

[@gefen314]

Holy shit ive never knew happy birthday was on eurovision lol

[@yaniva.7626]

Netta was NOT a polarizing entry, it won televote!

[@brockreynolds870]

I LOVE both Ilanit's songs... Ey Sham is my favorite Eurovision song of all time. I just wish the sounds balance of the contest hadn't been messed up.

[@microsim11]

Always great songs by Israel, way better than many countries. Matt where are you from?

[@mh-no5it]

1977 Israel always reminded me of Kingdom Hearts.

[@sunsetwolf1588]

HOW!?

[@oam2971]

Guys it's probably going to be in pavilion 2 in tel aviv. Im telling you. Haifa- a great option. But there's 2 teams playing in Sammy offer stadium. They are still selling season tickets. There's not enough stadiums in Israel. Eilat- not an option so we don't need to elaborate Jerusalem- an option. More chances to the arena. But its going to be on shabbat and we have to respect the status quo. Tel aviv - pavilion 2 is pretty small but it can be expanded to 10,000 seats

[@Eurovision2019-e4o]

Lol look at the pictures Pavilion 2 can hold up only 6000 people, the venue half the size of the Kiev venue in 2017. No Chance the Eurovision will take place in so much tiny venue oi68.tinypic.com/2vbafiu.jpg

[@oam2971]

I said it will be expanded to 10000 seats!!!!!!!

[@Eurovision2019-e4o]

+Or Amir how you sure it will be expanded? I didn't hear any official say it

[@oam2971]

Im telling you

[@Eurovision2019-e4o]

+Or Amir so it BS, this venue took 4 years to build, they won't redecorate this venue in 8 months it will take more than a year

[@m.s.6586]

1975 song may be forgettable but the singer has become essentially one of the most most recognized and appreciated artist in the country. Also, 1992 entry had some weird sound issues during their performance, which imo ruined their chances. We all agree with you about Ping Pong song being the worse.

[@kobishami6917]

Not because I'm a Jew in Israel, but I think I will not be surprised if I say that Israel had good years in the Eurovision and good music

[@godcandy108]

01:43 You are right! Kaveret band is like the Jewish / Israeli Beatles. They are legendary in Israel. Good call :-)

[@ייעיננ]

Dana wrote Esc israeli songs in 2008+2011

[@natalia-ib5uf]

Dana international the best of ALL Eurovisión‘s history, in Israel the best are Dana of course, the girl from 1973 and 1977, the legend of Ofra Haza and Sarit hadad. And by the way I love ding dong!

[@suzysimon2365]

Shiri!! 💚

[@tycoo7]

2005 number one ☝🏼

[@avatara82]

I was really touched by israel 2009, but I'm getting used to my voting having no effect to points my country gives that I am about to give up voting... and Netta she was in my top3 but only as 3rd but like usual the one I gave 18votes didn't get a single point from us...

[@Obsessedandstuff]

"they're like the jewish beatles" - the most accurate sentence ever!! XD

[@aviadpardo3727]

I'm from Israel and I would like to be a fly in the wall of the committee that chose the song in 2000. What did they think about?

[@jennyesc8615]

Love this video,make a reaction video for other countries please

[@morgibli4007]

Love from israel

[@itsik577]

1981 and 1988 are so underestimated

[@sharkan44]

Come on Ping Pong is a eurovision psychodelic classic. We need such songs as well

[@Markstubation01]

You should do this with Germany; so many forgotten gems.

[@מיכאלבראון-ר3ו]

Best Netta TOY 2018 Doron Medalei /Stav Beger

[@dorkarni5737]

I just realized, was Israel 2000 the first ever gay kiss on the Eurovision stage?

[@OronIsrael]

Dor Karni yup

[@yuvalmati]

Dor Karni not only that Israel was the first country in eurovision whose representatives wore a red ribbon as a symbol of the fight against AIDS and that happened in 1993

[@מיכאלבראון-ר3ו]

🇮🇱winners 78 Abanibi Izhar 157 p. By Ehod Manor/ Nurit Hirsh 79 Haleluya Gali Atari 125p. By Shimrit Or/Kobi Oshtat 98 DivA Dana international 172p. By Yoav ginai/Zvika pik 2018 TOY Netta 529p. By Doron Medalie/Stav beger

[@Konsker]

intresting reaction

[@taloshe1989]

Shiri maimon #1

[@seanpierce2943]

Are you gonna do any more of these Matt?

[@ESCunited]

Yes, I will record the next one this week. We put up a poll on Twitter on which country I should do next so just hang in there :D

[@pminch]

When are you going to do a video for Ireland?

[@ItayBa1]

Hey from israel!

[@godcandy108]

Aerobics on steroids = classic Israeli folk dancing

[@yoavdigmi8871]

"Hoopa hoole" literally doesn't mean anything... Thats why it's so stupidly funny

[@godcandy108]

If you ask me, I think Shiri Meimon would have won had she worn a t-shirt and a denim mini-skirt.

[@michelsennett5375]

The biggest contribution that Israel has given is the 'sing-a-long' quality. It was kind of lost in the 90's and the 2000's but it has come back. My faves are from 1973, 1976 ( I know you weren't overwhelmed..but it had that camp factor that I like), 1979, 1983 amd of course, 1998. My all time favorite 'meow-meow' song in Eurovision history comes from Izabo in 2012. The chorus is so bad it sounds like cats meowing. But I do like the campy electric guitar. We in Norway have a comedienne who is called Linda Eide. She was on a program that analyzed all the Eurovision songs with six others on a panel and said .. jokingly folks.. that Israel ruined the contest in 1999 because they got rid of the live orchestra and the language rule. Folks say what you will but I do miss the live music. Air guitar just doesn't do it for me!! I'm glad that Israel can continue to give us more 'sing-a-long' vibes!

[@tyronesomuah6077]

yeah please try to do this to reaction to some of the other countries in eurovision

[@noya5500]

Ok so I have to confess, even as an Israeli fan I never really researched our Eurovision history... of course, there are some classics like our winner songs or even the birthday song that you hated lol but became pretty much a must for every Israeli 2000's birthday party XDXD we also had some BAD songs (although actually less than I expected!!) like 'be happy' (oh my god how dumb they were... lyrically, performance wise, so controversial!!)... also, I actually LOVE 'push the button' lol (maybe it's more relatable to Israelis [if you listen to the lyrics other than the 'amazing' chorus lol...) AND btw I never knew about that ding-dong song!!! how embarrassing... another thing, I HATED made of stars. it just was too dull for me... AND. LAST THING(!) - QUEEN NETTA YAS I AM SOO HAPPY SHE'S BRINGING THE COMPETITION TO MY COUNTRY! her winning was SUCH a big thing I don't think anyone will forget soon... people literally went out and celebrated at the Rabin Square in Tel-Aviv (a main square where a lot of the protests take place and stuff) and it was a moment of such unity.... my mom and I jumped so high and shouted so loud... I still freak out from the thought that I could go see it and my friends and I are already planning to go. so, sorry for the long rant, but those are my thoughts. so yeah lol.

[@ESCunited]

Thanks for responding. I cannot wait to visit your beautiful country in 2019.

[@danfrost3043]

Izhaar Cohen is a Eurovision Legend.

[@alicebthegachaweirdo8378]

I don't like "Toy". I don't hate it exactly I just think the song is a bit weird.

[@GA-kx8yh]

Anyone else get mad when he said kaveret and shlomo artzi aren't classics.i am shook.

[@rlopessimao]

Please. Do Portugal. We have been robbed in 69 and 84

[@Konsker]

there was supposed to be a isreali song in 1996 but because of reasons it didn't compete

[@katalinbalogh4626]

Do Hungary next

[@mizrachii]

❤From🇮🇱

[@noablokh1706]

The one from the 2000 ... ahm... everyone in israel thout that it was a bad one...

[@handumf]

My favorite is KAN!

[@PROYair]

Welcome to Israel ! Shiri is the best !

[@Michaelcohen4483]

Shlomo Artzi forgettable lol yea right lol he has stayed relevant since the 70’s and is near and dear to the hearts of many Israelis

[@enternamehere7639]

Israel is my fav country in ESC for many reasons but one of the less important ones, and yet the deciding factor is that Israel has sent the best and worst song in ESC history. Kan and Samaech. My God

[@alonplayminecraft]

Enter Name Here samaech is a stain in the great history of songs sent by Israel, no one in Israel loved the song

[@einat1622]

80's- Aerobics on stereotypes 🤣👌