Eden Golan Says Her Partner Will Miss Her "Dancing with the Stars" Debut

Singer Eden Golan said her partner will not be in the audience for her debut on "Dancing with the Stars" because he "works in an unusual place" and cannot discuss his job. In an interview with mako alongside her dance partner, season two winner Artem Lyaskovsky, she said his support from afar is strong even though he will not attend the live performances.

Golan, who became one of the hottest names in the new season after being cast, is paired with Lyaskovsky, who returned after a year away from the show. The pair said they understand the criticism over her casting, since she has a background in rhythmic gymnastics, but argued that ballroom is a different discipline and that she is starting from scratch. Golan noted that she only did rhythmic gymnastics until age eight and then moved on to singing.

Asked about the reaction to her being on the show, Golan said she is used to criticism, including comments that she is "not Israeli enough." She said she stays away from social media reactions and is open to constructive feedback, while Lyaskovsky said they prepare for criticism and try to stay "classy."

Golan also said viewers will discover more of her personality through the rehearsal process and that the show is more intense than her Pessah festival rehearsals, which she described as exhausting. She said Lyaskovsky is "the best partner" and that he makes her feel secure, while he praised her as someone who takes criticism well and brings more energy to each practice.

Lyaskovsky added that he returned because he missed the show and called dancing with Golan "the cherry on top." He said the schedule with her is challenging but rewarding, and that their chemistry is strong. Golan also said she had been in touch with Eurovision runner-up Noam Batan before and after the contest, and congratulated him on what she called a powerful performance.