Pop Sensation Noa Kirel to Represent Israel in Eurovision 2023

Pop star Noa Kirel will represent Israel at the 2023 Eurovision Song Contest, the country's public broadcaster Kan announced on Monday.

Ukraine, Eurovision's winner of 2022, will not be able to host the competition in May as intended due to the war with Russia. While decades-long tradition dictates that the winner of the contest gets to host it the following year, organizers said the security guarantees required to hold the competition meant discussions would be held with the runner-up, Britain.

The European Broadcasting Union, which organizes the competition, is currently in talks with British broadcaster the BBC to host the event.

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Kirel was selected out of a list of 78 singers with considerable experience performing in front of large audiences by members of the Israel Representative Selection Committee, which consists of Kan representatives and musicians and industry officials in Israel.

Culture and Sports Minister Chili Tropper congratulated Kirel saying "Noa Kirel is a talented singer and creator," adding that she "is a model for thousands of girls and boys who see her willpower, creativity and determination. Noa, we wish you great success and are proud of you and sure that you'll represent Israel with honor."

"The news came as a complete surprise," the 21-year-old singer's representatives said. "We are happy and grateful that Noa was chosen and are proud to represent the State of Israel!"

The list was compiled from the most played artists in Israel according to the radio stations Reshet Gimmel and Galei Tzahal (Army Radio), the nominees for Singer of the Year and Ensemble of the Year for 2019, 2020 and 2021.

Reuters contributed to this report.