Young Mexican wins 'Jewish Eurovision'

After practicing for months, 12 finalists selected out of 290 contestants from all around the world hit the stage as part of 2011 Hallelujah song contest

Eitan Glickman|Published: 08.27.11 , 08:40

Facing an audience of 3,000 people, the 12 finalists of the 2011 Hallelujah song contest took to the stage one by one Thursday evening. They came from Jewish communities in countries all around the world, including Turkey, Russia, Costa Rica and the United States.

The Jewish world's international song contest, held in Ramat Hasharon, was hosted by Israeli celebrity couple Eden Harel and Oded Menashe. The panel of judges, which included veteran singer Yehoram Gaon, musical producer Kobi Oshrat and other artists – listened to the performances and were asked to decide on the winner.

David Kobiashvili of Russia performed Harel Skaat's song "Milim", which represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest. Adam Kleinberg of Mexico moved the audience with to tears with "Lo Kal" by Hayehudim, and Lorren Rettich of Holland sang "Hine Patahti Halon" by Riki Gal, receiving loud applause.

But there was only one winner: The 2011 "Jewish Idol", ladies and gentlemen, is Adam Kleinberg of Mexico.

The winner received $8,000 and will record a duet with a leading Israeli singer, which will be played on Jewish radio stations across the world. A global concert tour in Jewish communities is also planned.

"I thank everyone who came here tonight from Mexico to support me, and especially my family," Kleinberg said Thursday. "I love to sing, and my dream is to become a singer and perform in Israel."

'Important Zionist initiative'

The finalists landed in Israel several weeks ago, and between rehearsals with leading Israeli musicians, found the time to tour the country – visiting Masada, the Western Wall, Lake Kinneret and a long list of tourist attractions.

"This is an important Zionist initiative aimed at connecting young Jews from all over the world to the State of Israel and the Hebrew language through culture and music," said Culture and Sports Minister Limor Livnat.

"I believe these young people will become our ambassadors worldwide and I hope they will later become new immigrants."

"Ramat Hasharon is proud to host such an emotionally moving and important contest," Mayor Yitzhak Rochberger said Thursday. "Tonight we watched very talented young Jewish people who arrived from all across the world to sing in Israel. We would love to host the contest again in the future."