הראל סקעת

Early Life

Harel Skaat was born on August 8, 1981, in Kfar Saba, Israel, to a family of Yemenite-Jewish and Iraqi-Jewish descent. His musical journey began at a young age when he won a national children's festival competition called "A Star for the Evening – Singing Big". By the age of 15, he was already the lead singer of both his high school band and the Kfar Saba city band. Skaat's talent continued to shine as he performed with the Israel Defense Forces' Communications Corps Band, where he formed a friendship with singer-songwriter Dor Daniel. He later attended Beit Zvi, a college specializing in the performing arts, where he excelled in musical theater and earned prestigious scholarships.

Career

Skaat's breakthrough came in 2005 when he participated in the televised talent show "Kokhav Nolad". His performances captivated audiences, particularly his rendition of "Bdidut" ("Loneliness"). Despite finishing sixth in the competition, he gained significant popularity, especially after his final performance of "Hinenny Can" ("Jerusalem, Here I Am"), which topped the Israeli Music Channel's chart for an impressive 80 days. Skaat represented Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 with the song "Milim", further solidifying his status as a prominent figure in Israeli pop music. His discography includes several albums such as "הראל סקעת", "דמויות", and "שוב מאושר", showcasing his evolution as an artist.

Personal Life

In a documentary aired in October 2010, Skaat publicly came out as gay, a revelation that followed years of speculation. He is married to Idan Roll, a model and lawyer, with their wedding taking place in March 2021. Skaat is also known for his philanthropic efforts, particularly in support of children with disabilities. He has been vocal about LGBTQ+ rights, even calling on youth from the gay community to protest against military service in 2017, although he later apologized for this statement. His adventurous spirit is evident in his love for high-thrill activities like skydiving and bungee jumping.