Scandal at ‘Israeli Idol’ Raises Ratings Overnight
Crossposted From Haaretz
“A Star Is Born,” Israel’s version of the hit TV show “American Idol,” has found itself at the center of a scandal over voting as its ninth season comes to a close — and its popularity has increased overnight.
Tamar Yahalomi, a 17-year-old contestant with a sweet voice and an agreeable disposition, seems to have received a few more votes than she actually deserved, according to a report from Keshet, the TV production company that runs the show.
Keshet issued a statement last week that votes had been rigged in Yahalomi’s favor, and the crowds went wild. Wilder, in fact, than they had been throughout the entire season, which critics had been calling “dead” and “washed out.”
A message from our CEO & publisher Rachel Fishman Feddersen
I hope you appreciated this article. Before you go, I’d like to ask you to please support the Forward’s award-winning, nonprofit journalism during this critical time.
We’ve set a goal to raise $260,000 by December 31. That’s an ambitious goal, but one that will give us the resources we need to invest in the high quality news, opinion, analysis and cultural coverage that isn’t available anywhere else.
If you feel inspired to make an impact, now is the time to give something back. Join us as a member at your most generous level.
— Rachel Fishman Feddersen, Publisher and CEO