This article originally appeared in the Yiddish Forverts. Watch the star of the Mongolian version of American Idol, Amalia Rubin, describe her fascinating life in the land of Genghis Khan in this Yiddish Forward exclusive.
We all knew that Mariah Carey can sing, but what we didn’t know was that she can also speak Hebrew. Well, at least she knows three expressions—and can use them correctly. Carey surprised us when she greeted American Idol contestant Shira Gavrielov, the 23-year-old daughter of Israeli singer-songwriter Miki Gavrielov, with a friendly “Shalom.” She…
Pop diva Mariah Carey said she hired increased security following what she described as threats reportedly made against her by fellow ‘American Idol’ judge Nicki Minaj, according to an interview on ABC News. Carey, 42, one of three new judges to join the “American Idol” panel for the hit talent show’s new season on Jan….
Forget Hamas, forget the massive housing protest. Right now Israel’s attention is squarely focused on Margalit Tzanani, a major music and TV star who has been jailed on charges of extortion. Best-known in recent years as a judge on the Israeli version of “American Idol,” Tzanani was arrested at her home this morning, in a…
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,…
Following a voting scandal caused by her own father, a teenage singer has quit the Israeli version of “American Idol.” Seventeen-year-old Tamar Yahalomi announced today that she will not compete in the semi-finals of “Kochav Nolad” (“A Star Is Born”), the popular Israeli edition of the singing contest. The decision came several days after it…
Kate Middleton, fiancée of Prince William, is old news. The British public is fixated on another celebrity Kate — a 24-year-old Jewish woman named Katie Waissel. Rarely in the history of television talent shows has so much attention been focused on a single contestant. Waissel is a singer on the television show “ X-Factor,” the…
Kris Allen’s taking of the “Idol” title from Adam Lambert may seem like old news, but to say that would be to ignore the importance of dissecting the psychology of “American Idol” culture. What is most titillating about the wildly successful show is the predilections and biases of everyday Americans — the millions who vote…
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