Israel: Shalva Band decides to leave HaKokhav HaBa L’Eurovizion
Shalva Band have officially withdrawn from HaKokhav HaBa L’Eurovizion (The Next Star) show, despite qualifying to the final in last Saturday’s semi final show.
THE INTERVIEW
Shalva Band which was one of the favorites to win the Israeli edition of The Next Star and earn the right to represent the host country on home soil next May at Eurovision 2019, has officially revealed that it will withdraw from the competition. The group has recorded an interview during which they explain the reason they decided eventually to withdraw from the contest.
During their interview Shalva Band explain that they were aware of the rules when the decided to participate in the competition, but the never believed that they will reach so far in the show so as to examine the possibility of rehearsing on Shabbat. However they fully understand the efforts the broadcaster made in order to make it possible for them to participate in Eurovision 2019 in case of a win in the show.
From the beginning of HaKokhav HaBa L’Eurovizion the production had made clear to all candidates that in case of a victory they will have to perform during the Shabbat. Shalva Band hadn’t expressed any reservations then as they didn’t believe they will reach close to victory in the competition. Three of the members being religious expressed their reservations for performing during Shabbat. Despite the efforts made by the production team to find a solution that will allow them to participate in Eurovision in case of a win , this met no success.
Watch the group’s last performance on the show that gave them the ticket to the final:
Source: Mako
