Image by getty images

Ah, Eurovision. Or as I like to call it, the last bastion of international camp and kitsch. It’s a song contest, in which different countries of the world submit original songs to compete. These one hit wonder songs capture something of our time, something to which we cannot put a name to, a spirit of communal international ridiculousness that we thought globalism had destroyed. It’s also how Celine Dion entered the public eye.

The 2019 Eurovision Song Competition will be held in Israel, so who better to host it than Israel’s most recognizable celebrity? But Gal Gadot turned down the invitation, claiming scheduling conflicts. “She would have been happy to host and to take part in the Eurovision contest but unfortunately, due to scheduling and prior commitments it will not be possible,” Gadot’s PR folks told Hadashot news.

As per official Eurovision rules, the winner of the contest will host next year’s extravaganza in their home country. In 2018, Netta Barzilai won for Israel with the iconic song “Toy,” which also claims the dubious title of being the most watched Eurovision music video on YouTube.

Forwarding the News

Thoughtful, balanced reporting from the Forward and around the web, bringing you updated news and analysis each day.

Terms(Required)

I agree to the Forward's Terms of Service and Privacy Policy

Email(Required)

In fact, in the prechorus of the song, Barzilai sings “Wonder Woman don’t you ever forget/You’re divine and he’s about to regret…” referencing the character behind Gadot’s meteoric rise to fame.

Does Gadot think she is too A-list to host the greatest event of modern times? Gal, it is time for a rethink!

[Shira Feder writes. She’s at [email protected]

A message from our Publisher & CEO 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.

The coming year promises to be filled with more complex and historic developments. We are entering an era where independent, fact-based Jewish journalism will be more important than ever. We need to be ready for whatever 2025 will bring, and with your help, we can be.

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

With your support, we’ll be ready for whatever 2025 brings.

$36 $500

$120 $180 Other amount