Singer Ninet Tayeb Opens Up on Divorce and Personal Growth in New Album

Ninet Tayeb, the Israeli singer who rose to fame 23 years ago on Kokhav Nolad, shared an intimate interview with journalist Danny Kushmaro about her recent divorce and her deeply personal new album. Tayeb, who has two daughters with musician Yossi Mizrahi, described the divorce as the hardest decision of her life, admitting it remains difficult to live in an empty home after two years apart. She reflected on her song "Maybe I Could Have Done More," which expresses the painful self-questioning and emotional turmoil she experienced during the separation.

The new album, titled "I’m Nina," marks a declaration of self-acceptance at age 42, embracing all facets of her identity without compromise. Tayeb recounted her early career struggles after winning Kokhav Nolad, including the pressure of sudden fame and criticism for choosing rock music, which she described as a lifestyle of doing what you truly want despite opposition. She also revealed a complex relationship with her iconic performance of "Sea of Tears," which defined her early success.

Tayeb spoke candidly about motherhood, describing herself as a loving and slightly quirky mom to her daughters Emilia, 12, and Luna, 5, who she believes will follow in her musical footsteps. She emphasized the importance of mental resilience in the music industry and credited her family and faith for helping her withstand the pressures of early stardom.

The singer also touched on the trauma of the October 7 attacks near her hometown of Kiryat Gat, where she was with her children, calling it a moment of profound fear and a catalyst for her involvement in efforts to bring home hostages. Despite receiving mixed reactions, she stands firm in her commitment to this cause.

Finally, Tayeb addressed issues of cultural identity and representation, rejecting the notion of choosing between her Mizrahi heritage and other aspects of herself. Her album title reflects this embrace of complexity and refusal to be confined to a single identity.

Tayeb’s interview offers a rare glimpse into her personal life, artistic evolution, and resilience through pain and public scrutiny, underscoring her continued relevance in Israeli music and culture.