Israel to Select Eurovision 2027 Representative via 'The Next Star' Talent Show

Israel will continue to choose its Eurovision contestant through the popular televised competition "The Next Star" (HaKokhav HaBa). The Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation (Kan) and Keshet 12 announced their ongoing collaboration for the third consecutive year, confirming that the selection process for Eurovision 2027, to be held in Bulgaria, will again be conducted through the show airing this fall.

This decision follows two consecutive second-place finishes for Israel in recent years, with Noam Batan placing second in 2026 and Yuval Rafael achieving the same in 2025, alongside winning the audience vote. Previously, Eden Golan secured fifth place in 2024, and Israel notably won the contest in 2018 with Netta Barzilai's "Toy." Kan representatives will participate in selecting the winner during the semifinals and finals stages.

The partnership between Kan, Keshet, and Teddy Productions is credited with significant cost savings for Israel's Eurovision participation, allowing more investment in original Israeli productions while maintaining high production standards for the delegation.

The song selection process will also continue under a new anonymous format introduced last year to ensure fairness and avoid bias. Submitted demos will exclude any identifying information, including the creators' voices, and for the first time, artificial intelligence (AI) technology may be used to record demo versions anonymously. A professional committee will initially select about 40 songs, from which a decisive committee comprising Kan and Keshet representatives will choose the final entry.

Zivit Davidovich, acting deputy director of television at Kan, expressed pride in the ongoing collaboration, highlighting its success and the pride it brings to Israel. Ilanit Siman-Tov Hirsch, Keshet 12's entertainment and reality development deputy director, emphasized the show's role in fulfilling dreams and connecting audiences to Israel's Eurovision journey. Yoav Tzafir, the show's chief editor, praised the program as a home for Israel's Eurovision representatives and a platform for discovering exceptional talent through a professional and creative process.