

Israel's Netta Barzilai wows voters, wins Eurovision 2018
Jerusalem will play host to next year's international event.
Netta Barzilai, the 25-year-old singer from Israel, took home the top prize in the Eurovision 2018 competition. The event, held in Lisbon, featured performers from 43 different countries and is watched by 200 million people worldwide. The last time Israel won was 20 years ago, in 1998. Israel previously won in 1978 and 1979 as well.
"I'm so happy - thank you so much," Barzilai said after her name was announced. "Thank you so much for choosing difference, thank you so much for accepting differences between us.... I love you. Keep that going. Do good to others. Be good to yourselves."
Netta's personality shined through at a press conference for the Eurovision contest. (Photo: Wikimedia)
Wonder Woman actress Gal Gadot, and fellow Israeli, gushed about Netta on social media Saturday evening. "You represent the real wonder in women," Gadot said. "So much truth, confidence and talent. You stand for diversity and you bring fresh beautiful light to the world. And thank you all for voting!!!"
https://www.instagram.com/p/BisdSAIgdBf/?hl=en&taken-by=gal_gadot
In the streets of Tel Aviv, thousands stayed up past midnight to dance in the streets.
🎥 Tel aviv: Thousands are celebrating @NettaBarzilai's victory tonight at @TelAviv city's central square.#Eurovision #allaboardpic.twitter.com/K8JvRWrAQF
— Israel ישראל (@Israel) May 12, 2018
Here are more reactions from social media:
And your winner of #Eurovision 2018 is... ISRAEL
— BBC One (@BBCOne) May 12, 2018
Congratulations!
What. A. Night. @BBCEurovision pic.twitter.com/cHDLTQExtI
🇮🇱🏆 WE HAVE A WINNER! Congrats to ISRAEL! #ISR is the winner of #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/wphX238BJg
— Logo 🏳️🌈 (@LogoTV) May 12, 2018
"Thank you for choosing different, for celebrating diversity!" - Netta #ISR #eurovision pic.twitter.com/pcRZ86JKLL
— SBS Australia (@SBS) May 12, 2018
You can watch Bazilai's winning performance here:
Will this be the winning performance of #Eurovision?
— כאן (@kann) May 12, 2018
Watch #TOY by @NettaBarzilai now!#ISR #VOTEISRAEL pic.twitter.com/PM721nkBe2
And you can watch when the winners are announced here:
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=9flG5EqRPSc&feature=youtu.be
As is customary, the winning country hosts the following year's event. So Eurovision 2019 will take place in Israel. "I love my country," an excited Barzilai said. "Next time in Jerusalem!"
Thank you Europe.
— Netta Barzilai (@NettaBarzilai) May 12, 2018
We have a message for you from the winner of #Eurovision 2018! Congratulations @NettaBarzilai! #ESC2018 #AllAboard pic.twitter.com/8DpAzPzsT1
— Eurovision Song Contest (@Eurovision) May 12, 2018
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Related Topics: Music