Noam Bettan has been practicing to the sounds of booing.

Israel’s Eurovision contestant is reluctant – and largely not allowed – to discuss any of the controversy surrounding Israel’s participation, but he knows he won’t be warmly welcomed by everyone at the song competition next week in Vienna.

“I’m surrounded by an incredible team who make sure to shout boos at me during rehearsals, so I’m prepared for it,” Bettan told The Times of Israel during a video interview last month. “I feel happy and proud to represent my country in such a big competition with so many viewers.”

While the biggest critics of Israel at Eurovision – Ireland, Iceland, Spain, Slovenia and the Netherlands – quit this year’s contest in protest of Israel being allowed to participate, their exodus has amplified the anger among some of the competition’s biggest fans.

But Bettan – who will be 10th in the lineup in the first semifinal Tuesday night with “Michelle” – wants to put all the noise and drama aside.

“I’m very focused on what I have to do,” he said. “I’m not thinking about anything else, I’m focused on this thing, I’m looking ahead, I’m rehearsing as much as possible. I’m doing everything I can.”

Bettan, 28, was selected earlier this year to represent Israel at the 2026 competition after winning the latest season of “Hakochav Haba” (Rising Star). The native of Ra’anana, who was born to French immigrant parents, won over viewers with his soulful vocals, charming modesty and magnetic stage presence.

Before winning the reality TV contest Bettan was far from a household name, but he’s not a newcomer to the Israeli music industry. In 2018, he placed third on the music TV competition show “Aviv or Eyal,” and subsequently released a number of singles, including “Madame,” “Buba” and “Ahavot Leyom........

© The Times of Israel