Eden Golan at the Eurovision Song Contest semi-finals
(באדיבות כאן 11)
Eden Golan took to the stage at Malmo Arena for her performance in the semi-finals of the Eurovision Song Contest on Thursday with Hurricane, to a mixture of jeers alongside wild applause and cheers from the audience, that increased as she sang. Golan delivered a powerful and moving performance, maintaining a level of professionalism throughout the performance.
While anti-Israel protesters took to the streets in Malmo, inside, Golan said she hoped her performance would help to unite people.
"It's a super important moment for us, especially this year," she told Reuters in an interview this week. "I feel honored to have the opportunity to be the voice of my country."
The Israeli artist competed for a place in the finals, which will be on Saturday. The Israeli song is now ranked five in the betting charts.
Thursday's semi-final will also feature contestants from Malta, Albania, Greece, Switzerland, the Czech Republic, Austria, Denmark, Armenia, Latvia, San Marino, Georgia, Belgium, Estonia, Norway and the Netherlands.
Eden Golan after her performance at the Eurovision song contest semi-finals
(באדיבות כאן 11)
In her final rehearsal on Wednesday, Golan performed in front of the judges and filmed her song to ensure her appearance in case something goes wrong on the night of the live performance, Golan was booed by members of the audience and some walked out of the auditorium.
"I never thought I’d receive so much love from my country, which I’m so proud to represent. I'm excited, of course, but I'm also enjoying it. I'm calm. There's no part of the song that causes me any difficulties. It gradually rises from lows to highs, but I, we, feel very prepared,” she told Ynet.
“I feel the entire country standing behind me. This is the moment I've been waiting for. And it's here. I’ll give it my all. I’ll continue to be the voice of those who aren’t here, who need to come back home,” she added.