It’s been a long time since Israel was favourite to win the Eurovision Song Contest; twenty years have passed since Dana International’s glittering triumph with Diva. But now Israel has another star turn with Netta Barzilai, whose song Toy is the bookies’ favourite, and had clocked 19m views on YouTube before the contest aired.
Barzilai secured her place in the Eurovision finals after performing Toy at the first intallment of semi finals in Lisbon on Tuesday. She made it through to the Top 10 alongside Ireland, Cyprus and Finland. A further 18 countries will take part in the second semi-final on Thursday.
Israelis - who largely ignored the contest last year - are now planning parties to watch her perform. How does she view the pressure of being the favourite? "As a way forward you decide what path you take in life. I celebrate diversity and my placing in the final doesn't actually matter. I want to reach as many hearts as possible through my music."
It’s fair to say that Toy stands out as much for Barzilai’s performance as the actual music. She’s plus size and proud, full of chutzpah and confidence, has a dance that mimics a chicken - there are chicken clucks and squawks in the mix too - and a sound that translates well into club culture. Add lyrics that are part nonsense, and half female empowerment - the chorus runs: “I’m not your toy/You stupid boy” - and it’s not surprising that Barlizai has hit a chord that could take her career well beyond Eurovision.
