This year’s Eurovision Song Contest got off to a lively start, with the first semifinals wowing crowds on May 9, and Israel’s Noa Kirel advancing to the grand final of the competition, which will take place on Saturday May 13.
But, who is the 22-year-old and how did she get picked to represent Israel this year?
Here is everything we know.
Who is Noa Kirel?
Noa Kirel, 22, is an Israeli singer-songwriter, dancer, actress and television presenter. The Ra’anana native is the daughter of the CEO of Glassco Glass, an imported-glass business.
When she was born she was named Noya but, after battling with severe kidney illness as a baby, a rabbi suggested that her name be changed to Noa.
The star started her journey on the documentary Pushers, which focused on parents who were pushing their children to succeed in specific sectors. Noa was featured with her father, who was financing her entertainment career.
In 2015, she revealed her first song Medabrim? on YouTube. After the positive feedback she received, she released another song called Killer the next year alongside a provocative video clip that received mixed reviews because of her age at the time.
Her music career continued through YouTube and radio stations picked up her songs. In 2017, Noa became the presenter of a music show on a children’s channel and started working on her acting career.
She represented Israel in the international artist category of the MTV Europe Music Awards and took home the best Israeli act award between 2017 and 2022.
In 2020, Kirel joined the Israel Defense Forces and served in the military for two years.
In 2021, she started dating Israeli model and actor Tomer HaCohen.
In recent years, the star has been working on her international presence, releasing singles abroad in English and collaborating with artists from other countries.
On July 11, 2022, the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation announced that she had been chosen to represent Israel in the 2023 Eurovision. She will be representing her country with a song called Unicorn, which she co-wrote and co-composed.
When is the Eurovision Song Contest 2023?
This year’s Euovision Song Contest kicked off in Liverpool on May 9.
The next semi-final will take place on May 11. Two days later, on May 13, the winner of the 2023 contest will be crowned.
You can watch the event live on BBC One; Alesha Dixon, Ted Lasso actress Hannah Waddingham and Ukrainian singer Julia Sanina are this year’s hosts.
