Back in January, Israeli broadcaster IBA announced the selection of world renowned Israeli singer Noa (Achinoam Nini), together with the Arab/Israeli artist Mira Awad as the duo who would represent Israel in this years contest in Moscow.
This evening in Jerusalem, Noa & Mira Awad performed four songs in a live televised national selection called Kdam Eurovision 2009 hosted by Eden Harel. The show began by an introduction to the juries.In the week prior to the national selection, the public have been allowed to vote by SMS and internet for their favourite song. In this evenings show, the voting was mixed between SMS, Internet and jury votes.
The songs were presented as follows:
Kol Shniya - (Second Chance) 32 points
Na'amin Bachalom - (Faith in The Light) 72 points
Bo'i Lirkod Iti - (Will You Dance With Me) 84 points
Einaiych - (There Must Be Another Way) 112 points
After the performances, Israeli president Shimon Peres addressed the viewers by saying that he appreciated the work that Noa and Mira Awad are doing for the people and for peace. He also paid tribute to Noa as being "The Voice of Israel".
The public televoters preferred the song Bo'i Lirkod Ti as their favourite, but the jury preferred Einaiych and the combination of SMS, internet and jury votes are highlighted above.
Israel finished in ninth place last in last years contest with Boaz Mauda and his song The Fire In Your Eyes. Noa and Mira Awad will participate in the First Semi-Final of this years Eurovision Song Contest on Tuesday May 12th in Moscow.
Israel have won Europe's favourite TV show on no fewer than three occasions. Firstly Izhar Cohen and Alphabeta won in Paris in 1978 with the song A Ba Ni Bi. Israel then retained the title on home soil in Jerusalem in 1979 when Milk & Honey triumphed with Hallelujah. Almost two decades later, Dana International won the 1998 contest in Birmingham in a thrillingly close finish ahead of the United Kingdom and Malta with the song Diva.
