Vienna 2015, 60th ESC 40 For 40: Nadav Guedj "Golden Boy"

The 40 for 40 for Vienna 2015 continues. Up next is a review of Nadav Guedj (pictured) with "Golden Boy" (Israel).

"Golden Boy" is not a song about the boxer and promoter Oscar de la Hoya, who won Olympic gold in 1992. This is a song about something else. However, with its beats and flow, and it's mainstream vibe, I'm thinking: what the fuck is this? Just another pretty boy for Europeans to vote for...oh wait, they will be smart by not voting for him for a reason! On the other hand, Israel has sent good, reasonable songs over the years, but this is one of their worst. He will perform in the second semifinal on May 21, but will have one of the lowest point totals in semifinal history. Maybe two points? We'll see.

Up next: Il Volo "Grande Amore"

Copenhagen 2014 Reviews: Mei Finegold "Same Heart"

Mei beer is Finegold the dry beer. Extra dry. Get it? Finegold is not a beer, but the last name of the performer who will represent Israel in Copenhagen with "Same Heart."

"Same Heart" is a club effort in which her vocals--tailored for heavy rock--are great, but still an excellent piece of work. Some people might criticize simply because this is a club track, but most club tracks in ESC have been good to me; most make the grand final. She will perform in the second semifinal on Thursday, the 8th of May, and I predict that she will make the grand final on Saturday, the 10th of May.

Israel might not be geographically European (it is technically an Asian country like other ESC participating countries such as Armenia, Azerbaijan, Turkey and Cyprus), but it is a country who has a broadcast network that is a member of the EBU. Hence, their ESC participation, since 1973. From Izhar Cohen in 1978 ("A Ba Ni Bi") and 1985 ("Ole Ole") to Dana International in 1998 (winner with "Diva") and in 2011 ("Ding Dong") and Izabo "Time" in 2012, there have been some bright spots for this nation in ESC. This is even better than "Rak Bishvilo" by Moran Mazor from Malmo! Mark my words!

Up next: Emma Marrone "La Mia Citta."

Ariel Sharon, 85, Former Israeli Prime Minister

Link.

He was in a coma since 2006.

Sochi 2014: The Countdown Series: Israel

71 days remaining until the opening ceremonies (70 until the first day of competition) at Sochi 2014. Up next on the countdown: Israel.

Israel made their winter Olympics debut at Lillehammer 1994, and has sent athletes to the winter games ever since. The Israeli contingent mostly competed in figure skating events, though no medals were won.

As of now, five quota spots for Israel at Sochi, including in men's short track figure skating.

Up next: Italy

Malmo 2013 39 For 39: Moran Mazor "Rak Bishvilo"

Malmo 2013 '39 For 39' is officially in the second half, which means 19 more reviews. The first of which is that of "Rak Bishvilo" by Moran Mazor.

This is yet another soft ballad that is qualified for Malmo. Take a listen:

Since this is the Israeli effort this year, I really feel that this is not as good as "Time" by Tel Aviv-based Izabo, which didn't made the final at Baku 2012. "Time" rocked, but not this. However I really think this is a 'bubble' song considering it to me is on the bubble regarding reaching the final on May 18.

Up next: a review of Marco Mengoni "L'essenziale."

London 2012: The Countdown Series: Israel

135 days to go until the first day of the London Olympics. Up next on the parade of nations: Israel (ISR).

They have been to the summer Olympics since 1952. 7 medals have been won by Israeli athletes, including one gold medal.

Gal Fridman (pictured) brought home (or sailed home) the first gold medal for Israel in the summer Olympics. He won the men's windsurfer event at Athens 2004.

As of now, 27 Israeli athletes will head to London and will compete in five events, including various athletics and swimming events.

Up next: Italy