Full Breakdown
Israel's Noam Bettan to Perform "Michelle" at Eurovision 2026
2/24/2026, 6:43:53 AM
Song Title and Release Details
Israel's public broadcaster KAN has announced that Noam Bettan will represent the country at the Eurovision Song Contest 2026 with the song titled "Michelle." The full song will be unveiled during a festive broadcast on KAN 11 on March 5, 2026. "Michelle" features lyrics in Hebrew, French, and English, showcasing a diverse linguistic approach. The song's lyrics were penned by Nadav Aharoni, Tzlil Kalifi, and Yuval Rafael, who previously represented Israel at Eurovision in 2025. Aharoni and Kalifi also composed the music, with Aharoni serving as the producer. The European Broadcasting Union (EBU), which organizes the contest, has reviewed and approved the song.
Selection Process
The selection of "Michelle" followed a revised process implemented by KAN, allowing any creator registered with ACUM, the Society of Authors, Composers, and Music Publishers in Israel, to submit songs for consideration. Approximately 200 songs were submitted anonymously to a selection committee, ensuring an objective evaluation. Notably, a representative from Teddy Productions abstained from the evaluation process due to a conflict of interest, as one of the songwriters was a candidate.
Background on Key Contributors
Yuval Rafael, one of the songwriters, has prior Eurovision experience, having secured second place for Israel in the previous year's contest. Tzlil Kalifi and Nadav Aharoni are recognized as successful pop hitmakers in Israel, with Aharoni having previously collaborated with Bettan on earlier projects. This collaboration reflects a trend where former Israeli representatives contribute to subsequent entries, as seen in past instances like Avi Toledano writing for Ofra Haza.
Upcoming Eurovision Contest
Eurovision 2026 is set to take place in Vienna in May, with Bettan scheduled to perform in the first semi-final. The anticipation surrounding "Michelle" marks a significant moment for Israel, which has been a notable participant in the Eurovision Song Contest, often generating considerable public interest and support.
Criticism & Opposition
While the selection process has been praised for its transparency, some critics have raised concerns about the potential influence of previous Eurovision participants on the selection committee. They argue that this could lead to a lack of diversity in song choices and limit opportunities for emerging artists.
Official Statements & Responses
KAN has emphasized its commitment to a fair selection process, stating that the anonymity of submissions was crucial to ensuring an unbiased evaluation. The broadcaster aims to continue fostering a diverse musical landscape in Israel, encouraging a wide range of artists to participate in future competitions.
Verbatim Quotes
“Michelle” will be revealed in full for the first time in a festive broadcast on KAN 11 on March 5.” — KAN Public Broadcaster
“The entry was selected from approximately 200 submissions and is written by Yuval Raphael, Tslil Klifi, and Nadav Aharoni.” — Eurovision Fun
“Bettan was selected to represent the country after winning the televised show HaKokhav HaBa for Eurovision, while the song was chosen by a special committee that listened to all submissions anonymously to ensure an objective evaluation process.” — Eurovision Fun
This year's Eurovision entry reflects a blend of established talent and innovative approaches, positioning Israel for a competitive performance in the upcoming contest.
