After a brilliant victory in 2018, Israel is trying to stay at the very top of Eurovision. Although they did not achieve any significant results last year, Eden Alene and her song Set me free are among my favorite Israeli Eurovision songs. Had it not been for such relentless competition, it would have been a far better result.
This year, Israel has lowered the bar a bit. Michael Ben David is this year’s winner of the Israeli X-Factor, as well as a traveler to Turin. His song is I.M. I have to compliment Michael’s exceptional vocal abilities, especially the fantastic falsetto. During the performance, he acts very theatrically, a real drama Queen.
The song I.M did not impress me too much. It has a good rhythm, I would love to dance to that song at the disco, but on the other hand, it is very generic. I am glad that the Israelis keep a segment of their traditional music in their songs. I think Michael can make a real show in Turin, with real staging, good fun is guaranteed. The more I listen to it the better it gets, but in general, I think a far better choice could have been made for the representative of Israel.
Regardless of the fact that this is not an overly dear song to me, I think Israel will definitely make it to the finals. The fact that they are in the second semifinal group, which is relatively easier, at least for now, also contributes to that. I believe that a dramatic spectacle awaits us with this song, but I think that even if it makes it to the finals, it will not be a particularly high result. We can only wait for what Michael will prepare for us in Turin. My rating of the song I.M is 6/10.