יובל רפאל

Early Life

Yuval Raphael, born in 2000 in Israel, has quickly made a name for herself in the music industry. Her journey began in earnest when she participated in the eleventh season of the popular singing competition HaKokhav HaBa, which serves as the Israeli selection for the Eurovision Song Contest.

Career Milestones

Raphael's audition aired on November 19, 2024, where she performed the song "Anyone" and impressively advanced with a score of 98%. She showcased her versatility in the final on January 22, 2025, performing both "Dancing Queen" and "Writing's on the Wall," dedicating her rendition of the former to the victims of the Nova music festival massacre. Her outstanding performance earned her the top spot, allowing her to represent Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2025.

At Eurovision, she performed the multilingual orchestral pop ballad "New Day Will Rise," which was released alongside its official music video on March 9, 2025. The song, featuring lyrics in English, French, and Hebrew, draws inspiration from the Hebrew Bible, symbolizing hope and renewal. Raphael's performance took place in the second semi-final on May 15, 2025, in Basel, Switzerland, where she competed with great anticipation.

Personal Life

Beyond her musical achievements, Raphael's personal life has also garnered attention. During her time on HaKokhav HaBa, she developed a close relationship with fellow contestant Ido Malka, which they publicly announced in March 2025. Malka was part of the Israeli delegation that supported her at Eurovision, highlighting the blend of her personal and professional life in the spotlight.