Israel 2019: All you need to know about Kobi Marimi and his entry “Home”
After several shows of audition shows and 4 semi final rounds the Israeli talent show of HaKokhav HaBa L’Eurovizion 2019, reached this night its final show, during which for a 5th consecutive year, Israel selected its Eurovision 2019 act. Big winner of the night was Kobi Merimi who will represent Israel on home soil next May in Tel Aviv with his song “Home”
A few words about Kobi Marimi
Kobi Marimi was born on October 8, 1991 in the city of Ramat Gan and comes from a Jewish family of Iraqi origin. Kobi Marimi has started singing since the age of 13 . Initially he started his career as an actor taking part in several plays and musicals, while in 2017 he won the award of the most promising actor. During the talent show he met the audience’s acceptance due to his outstanding style and his vocal skills.
The entry “Home”
The song “Home” is a sentimental ballad written entirely in English. Composers of the song are Ohad Shargai and Inbar Weitzman. The song reflects in many parts of it Kobi Marimi’s life and the efforts he has made in order to see his dream come true on the stage.
Lyric if the entry “Home”
Caught up in this moment’til my heartbeat stops
I’ve been running barefoot to the mountain tops
Nothing comes as easy as it goes
I can hug the water when it snows
I feel the sun upon my skin
And I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in
It made me someone, I am someone
And now I’m done, I’m coming home
I used to listen to the way they talk
Counting down the minutes from the ticking clock
I feel the sun upon my skin
And I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it in
It made me someone, I am someone
And now I’m done, I’m coming…
Home was so far,Collecting scars, I refuse
Another touch won’t be another bruise
I feel the sun upon my skin
And I am someone, I am someone
You pulled my heart, I took it inIt made me someone, I am someone
I’m standing tall not giving inCause I am someone, I am someone
And now I’m done, I’m coming home
The Eurovision story so far
Israel has participated in the Eurovision Song Contest 42 times since making its debut in 1973. Israel’s first appearance at the contest in 1973 was successful, with Ilanit finishing fourth. Israel has achieved 4 victories, in 1978 and 1979, with first two wins for Izhar Cohen and the Alphabeta, with the song “A-Ba-Ni-Bi” and Gali Atari and Milk and Honey, with “Hallelujah” . Its third victory came in 1998, with Dana International and “Diva” and its fourth this year with Netta’s song Toy. The country’s best results apart from its victories were the second-place finishes for Avi Toledano in 1982 and Ofra Haza in 1983. Former winner Izhar Cohen returned to place fifth in 1985. Duo Datz finished third in 1991, before Israel achieved . Eden then finished fifth in 1999. Israel has hosted the contest twice, in 1979 and 1999, both times in Jerusalem
After the introduction of the semi-finals in 2004, Israel has failed to reach the final six times. In 2014, the country failed to qualify for the fourth consecutive year, when Mei Feingold finished 14th (out of 15) in the second semi final, despite being one of the favorites to qualify. In 2015, Israel reached the final for the first time in five years, with Nadav Guedj finishing ninth. The only Israeli entrant to achieve a better result in the 21st century before their 2018 win was Shiri Maimon in 2005, who gave the country its tenth top five result in the contest, finishing fourth
