Israel: Noam Bettan releases "Michelle" for Eurovision 2026

Noam Bettan was selected at HaKokhav HaBa back in January to represent Israel at this year's Eurovision.

Today Noam Bettan released the song he'll perform on the Eurovision stage in Vienna this May: "Michelle." The song was selected internally by a committee.

"Michelle" was written by Noam Bettan, Nadav Aharoni, Tzlil Klifi and Yuval Raphael (Israel 2025).

Noam Bettan

נועם בתן

Noam Bettan, 28, grew up in Ra’anana, Israel, to French parents who had lived in the French city of Grenoble before immigrating to Israel with their two older sons. Bettan himself was born in Israel, and he speaks French in addition to Hebrew and English.

In 2018, he competed on another musical reality show, Aviv or Eyal, where he finished in third place. As a singer-songwriter, Bettan writes most of his own songs. In 2021, he released his first single, and songs such as “Buba” and “Madam” achieved local success as part of his artistic development.

10 years ago, when he was only 16 or 17 years old, Bettan auditioned for The Next Star but failed to pass. At the time, Yoav Tzafir, the show’s director, insisted that Bettan audition again the following day; however, once again, the judges did not give him enough points.

Noam Bettan's reaction right after his victory:

– I’m so excited! What an incredible honor to represent the country and to be the voice of our people on such a huge stage. Thank you for your trust and love! Thank you for choosing me! I promise to give my all at the upcoming Eurovision in Austria.

Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest

Israel has participated in Eurovision 47 times since their debut in 1973. They have won the contest four times:

• 1978: Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta - Abanibi
• 1979: Milk and Honey - Hallelujah
• 1998: Dana International - Diva
• 2018: Netta Barzilai - Toy

Israel has never finished last in the contest! Since the introduction of the Semi-finals in 2004, Israel has qualified for the Grand Final 14 out of 21 times.