Michal Amdursky Opens Up on Divorce, Tribute to Madonna, and Life After Loss

Michal Amdursky, the provocative Israeli singer and performer who rose to fame in the 1990s, reflects on her personal and professional life in a recent interview. Now in her early fifties and recently divorced from Jeffrey Yishai after 12 years together, Amdursky shares insights into her relationships, career, and the impact of personal tragedy. She is currently single for the first time in many years and admits to struggling with meeting new people due to her demanding work schedule and lifestyle.

Amdursky has three daughters: Aria (10) with Yishai, and Mila (23) and Nina Dvash (18) from her first marriage to Assaf Amdursky. She describes her divorce from Yishai as relatively amicable compared to her first divorce, which involved prolonged legal battles over finances and custody. She attributes the breakup with Yishai largely to his difficulty understanding her professional commitments, especially after she resumed work post-COVID lockdowns. Financial challenges also affected them during the pandemic, with Amdursky revealing she struggled to pay her mortgage at times.

Professionally, Amdursky has shifted focus to behind-the-scenes roles such as directing, producing, and choreography, while still performing occasionally. Her latest project is "Madonna, The Tribute Show," a large-scale production touring Israel that she produced, directed, choreographed, and stars in. She cites Madonna as a lifelong inspiration, admiring her boundary-pushing artistry and resilience. Amdursky recalls how she faced harsh criticism early in her career for her provocative style, which she now sees as ahead of its time.

The tragic death of her close friend Amir Frisher Gutman in 2017 deeply affected Amdursky. She remains close to his family and describes the loss as life-changing, leading to increased anxiety and a more guarded outlook. She openly discusses her mental health struggles, including anxiety attacks and medication use. Despite these challenges, she continues to perform and create, viewing her work as a tribute to both Madonna and Gutman.

At 51, Amdursky acknowledges the physical changes of aging but remains determined to maintain her stage presence and artistic integrity. She embraces aesthetic treatments and refuses to conform to others' expectations. On family matters, she reports a peaceful relationship with her ex-husband Assaf and his new partner, emphasizing the importance of acceptance and openness. While open to new love, she admits she has little time for dating currently. Amdursky concludes by expressing hope that more people would adopt her inclusive and accepting approach to life and art.