Noam Bettan Chosen to Represent Israel at Eurovision 2026

Israel has made its choice for Eurovision 2026 and it’s a powerful one. Noam Bettan, a soulful performer with a polished voice and deep emotional range, will take the stage in Vienna to represent the Jewish state in one of the world’s most watched music competitions.

For the first time in three years, Israel will be sending a male singer to the Eurovision Song Contest. Bettan, the son of French immigrants and a native of Ra’anana, emerged as the clear favorite in the popular televised competition The Next Star for Eurovision. On Tuesday night, judges and viewers alike confirmed his front-runner status, crowning him the winner over fellow finalists Gal De Paz, Shira Zloof, and Alona Erez.

Appearing surprised but composed, Bettan thanked voters and promised to give everything he has for Israel. “Let’s go!” he told Good Evening with Guy Pines, already looking ahead to preparing his Eurovision performance.

His victory marks a full-circle moment. A decade ago, at just 17 years old, Bettan auditioned for the same show but was not selected. In the years since, he has developed his talent and carved out a professional music career. Today, his music videos have amassed millions of views on YouTube and Spotify, a testament to his growing popularity.

In the final, Bettan performed Amir Benayoun’s emotional Hebrew ballad “Nitzachta Iti Hakol” (“You Won Everything With Me”), as well as “Dernière Danse,” a haunting French hit by Indila. His signature style a mix of heartfelt lyrics, gentle presence, and rich vocals resonated deeply with audiences and judges.

The televised contest, aired on Keshet 12, is now passing the Eurovision baton to KAN 11, Israel’s public broadcaster. Hosts Rotem Sela and Assi Azar paid tribute to KAN’s Eurovision success stories, including Noa Kirel’s third-place finish in 2023 and Eden Golan’s emotionally charged performance in 2024 that earned her fifth place despite growing international pressure and political harassment. They also noted Yuval Raphael’s unexpected rise last year, as a non-professional singer who won public support and came in second with “New Day Will Rise.”

Sela and Azar also addressed the broader context in which this contest took place. They recalled the hostages who remain in Gaza and honored Ran Gvili, an Israeli police officer who fought courageously on October 7 and was later murdered in captivity. His body remains in Hamas hands. The moment was a solemn reminder of the stakes facing Israel far beyond the glitter of the Eurovision stage.

Joining the judging panel for the final were KAN’s Eurovision hosts, Akiva Novick and Assaf Liberman, who symbolically helped pass the torch as the public broadcaster prepares to take the lead in producing Israel’s 2026 Eurovision campaign.

Israel has a proud Eurovision legacy, with four wins in 1978, 1979, 1998, and 2018 and millions of fans around the globe cheering its entries year after year. Now, with Noam Bettan preparing to bring his voice to Vienna, the journey begins again.

Israel continues to showcase its vibrant culture and creative talent to the world, with Eurovision offering a global stage to share its spirit and soul.

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