“When I sang ‘Dancing Queen’ on stage, I imagined the girls murdered at the Nova Music Festival dancing with me. It hurts so much,” Yuval Raphael, Israel's 2025 Eurovision Song Competition representative, said in an interview with Ynet on Thursday.
Raphael, 24, from Ra’anana, won the Israeli reality show “The Next Star” on Wednesday, earning the chance to represent Israel at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest in Switzerland. She survived the Nova festival attack on October 7 by pretending to be dead in a shelter where she was hiding.
Yuval Raphael performing 'Dancing Queen'
(Video: Keshet Media Group)
Since then, she’s been advocating for Israel around the world and decided to pursue her chance to represent the country on the European stage. “When I joined the show, all I imagined was representing my people at the Eurovision contest. That’s all I thought about. On the other hand, I never imagined winning The Next Star or what each stage of the show would be like.”
Did you believe that you’d stand on Europe’s stage from the start?
“In one sense, I hoped for it, but it’s also a complete surprise.”
Have you processed you’ll represent Israel at Eurovision?
"I’ve slept for maybe an hour. I still can’t fully grasp it. It’s a mix of overwhelming excitement and disbelief.”
Raphael performed ABBA’s “Dancing Queen” during the finale — a nod to the Nova festival. “I deeply connect to the emotions I want to convey. Every song I choose comes from a connection to a message I want to deliver.
“All my performances this season were about messages. Even when some songs suited me better technically, I prioritized something meaningful because nothing surpasses emotion. Music is meant to make you feel something.”
Wasn’t it difficult to perform after everything you’ve been through? Weren’t you afraid of breaking down?
“My soul knows how to set boundaries. I can’t afford to break down on stage. I give those feelings their place but on my terms.”
You’ve mentioned messages. Last year, Israel’s song was disqualified over claims of being “too political.” Do you think Israel shouldn’t participate in such cases?
“Even if we come in last or fail to convey a message, our presence there is incredibly important. No one should think they can erase us off the map.”
Eden Golan faced hostility in her performance last year. That can take a toll mentally.
“I’m ready to pay that mental price to represent Israel. Yes, my mental health is important — I’ll surround myself with the right people to maintain balance as much as possible. But I’m fully committed.”
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“On a different note, when I speak to friends returning from Gaza reserves duty, I see they’re paying their own prices,” she added. “If this is the price I need to pay to represent my country, I’ll pay it.”
Golan also faced boycotts backstage from other countries. Are you prepared for that?
“I understand I’ll face boycotts. I know I’m walking into the lion’s den and yet, I’m here to represent Israel. I’m not seeking hugs from contestants from other countries. If someone opens their heart, that’s amazing — I’ll open mine in return. If not, that’s fine. My goal is to represent us with dignity. My only fear is not living up to my own expectations.”
Do you have a message for Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu as Israel’s Eurovision representative?
“Bring our hostages home.”