‘Set me free’: Israel picks Eurovision song entry for 2021
Eden Alene to become first Israeli of Ethiopian descent to represent Jewish state at international singing contest in May; last year’s event was canceled by pandemic
Israel’s entry to the 2021 Eurovision song contest is “Set me free,” the Kan public broadcaster announced on Monday.
Eden Alene, 20, the first singer of Ethiopian descent to represent Israel in the annual international extravaganza, will perform the song in the first semifinal of the 2021 Eurovision Song Contest in Rotterdam on May 18. If it finishes among the top 10, she will sing it again in the May 22 final.
“Set me free” was chosen by Israeli audiences, edging out two other options: “La La Love” and “Ue La La.”
The song is mostly in English, with a smattering of Hebrew lyrics.
Eden was Israel’s candidate for the 2020 contest, which was called off last year due to the coronavirus pandemic. The song chosen for her 2020 entry was “Feker Libi,” sung in four languages — English, Hebrew, Amharic and Arabic.
מתלבטת בין שלושת האופציות.. אירוויזיון בכל זאת ????איזה שיר הכי אהבתם?? ????
Posted by Eden Alene – עדן אלנה on Sunday, January 3, 2021
The Eurovision Song Contest has a major following in Israel. Israel hosted the 2019 contest in Tel Aviv after Israeli singer Netta Barzilai carried off the top prize with her spunky pop anthem “Toy” in 2018.