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Israel’s public broadcaster KAN has unveiled the title of the country’s entry for the Eurovision Song Contest 2026, confirming that singer Noam Bettan will perform a track called “Michelle” when the competition heads to Europe this spring.
The title may ring familiar for music fans. It echoes the classic song by The Beatles, though Israeli producers say the new “Michelle” is an original composition that simply borrows the timeless name while offering a distinctly local sound and story.
The full version of the song will premiere during a special festive broadcast on KAN 11 on March 5, in what the network describes as a nationwide launch event. Viewers will hear the complete arrangement and see Bettan perform it for the first time on television.
According to the broadcaster, the track blends three languages — Hebrew, French and English — a choice intended to reflect both Israel’s multicultural identity and Eurovision’s tradition of cross-border musical storytelling. The mix is expected to give Bettan broader appeal among international juries and viewers.
The lyrics were written by Nadav Aharoni, Tzlil Kalifi and Yuval Rafael, who represented Israel at last year’s contest. Aharoni and Kalifi also composed the music, while Aharoni produced the final studio version, shaping the song’s modern pop sound and emotional tone.
Before receiving the green light, the entry was reviewed and formally approved by the European Broadcasting Union, the body that organizes Eurovision. All competing songs must comply with strict rules regarding originality, performance length and non-political content.
This year’s selection process marked a significant shift for Israel. KAN opened submissions to a wider creative community, allowing any artist registered with ACUM — the Society of Authors, Composers, and Music Publishers in Israel — to send in a track for consideration.
Roughly 200 songs were submitted, the broadcaster said. Each was evaluated anonymously by a professional committee to ensure that choices were based solely on musical merit rather than reputation or popularity. The aim, KAN officials noted, was to give emerging writers the same opportunity as established names.
Industry insiders say the approach reflects a broader effort to modernize Israel’s Eurovision strategy. By widening access and removing identifying details, the network hopes to encourage fresher sounds and more diverse influences in future competitions.
Eurovision 2026 will be hosted in Vienna in May, with Bettan scheduled to compete in the first semi-final. Only the highest-scoring acts will advance to the grand final, making early performances crucial for building momentum and fan support.
If Bettan secures enough votes from professional juries and the public, he will move on to the May 16 final, where millions of viewers worldwide tune in to watch one of the largest live music events of the year.
Public interest in Israel’s participation remains high. In recent years, Eurovision screenings have drawn large community gatherings across the country, with fans cheering each result late into the night. Organizers expect similar enthusiasm when Bettan takes the stage.
Music commentators suggest the trilingual format could help the song stand out in a crowded field. French phrases nod to classic Eurovision ballads, English ensures accessibility, and Hebrew grounds the piece in national identity — a balance often prized by judges.
For Bettan, the moment marks the biggest platform of his career. In interviews, he has described representing Israel as both an honor and a responsibility, saying he hopes “Michelle” will connect emotionally with audiences beyond borders.
With the official reveal only days away, anticipation is building. Whether “Michelle” becomes a chart-topping favorite or a surprise underdog, Israel’s Eurovision campaign is now firmly underway — and all eyes will soon turn to Vienna.