Kdam Eurovision

Kdam Eurovision is Israel's national music competition to select its entry for the Eurovision Song Contest. Held most years since 1981, it brings together artists and songwriters from across Israel, with the winner going on to represent the country at Eurovision.

• First held in 1981 as Israel's Eurovision selection show
• Winners go on to represent Israel at Eurovision
• Features live televised performances by Israeli artists
• Has launched several artists to international fame
• Reflects trends and debates in Israeli pop music

What it is

Kdam Eurovision is a televised music competition that serves as Israel's national selection for the Eurovision Song Contest. Each year, singers and songwriters from across the country compete for the chance to represent Israel on the international stage. The event is a major moment in Israeli pop culture, drawing wide public interest and debate over the chosen song and performer. For many, it is both a celebration of local musical talent and a gateway to one of the world's most-watched music events.

Where it comes from

The Kdam Eurovision was first held in 1981, after Israel's early Eurovision representatives were chosen by other means, including the Hebrew Song Festival. The shift to a dedicated national selection show reflected the growing popularity of Eurovision in Israel and the desire for a more open, competitive process. Over the years, Kdam Eurovision has evolved in format and occasionally been replaced by other selection methods, but it remains a significant part of Israel's Eurovision story.

How it is celebrated

During Kdam Eurovision, a diverse lineup of Israeli artists performs original songs live on television. The performances are often accompanied by elaborate staging, choreography, and visual effects, reflecting the high stakes of the competition. Viewers at home and professional juries typically have a say in choosing the winner, making the event interactive and widely discussed. The atmosphere is festive and charged with anticipation, as fans speculate about which song will best represent Israel and possibly bring Eurovision glory.

Joining in

If you are in Israel during Kdam Eurovision season, the main event is broadcast nationwide, usually from a television studio or concert hall. While tickets to the live show are limited, the excitement spills into homes, cafes, and social spaces, where people gather to watch and discuss the performances. As a visitor, tuning in offers a window into Israeli pop culture and the country's unique musical landscape.

Sources and attribution

This page is Mela's own summary, written in new words. Its facts are drawn from the Wikipedia article Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest, whose text is available under the CC BY-SA 4.0 licence, and from its Wikidata record (CC0). Each photo is credited to its author beside it. For the full account, read the originals below.

Read more

• Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest on WikipediaEncyclopedia
• More photos on Wikimedia CommonsPhotos
• Wikidata recordOpen data

This page was written with AI assistance from the sources listed above, and checked automatically before publishing. Spotted a mistake? Tell us. Last refreshed 2026-10-02.