The Next Star Adopts European Scoring System for Eurovision 2027 Season
Keshet 12 is launching a new season of The Next Star for Eurovision 2027 on November 15, featuring a revamped European scoring system, a new judge, and a star-studded launch event in Tel Aviv.
Keshet 12 is preparing to launch a brand-new season of The Next Star, Israel's premier musical reality show, setting the stage for the upcoming Eurovision 2027 contest. The highly anticipated season premiere will air next Sunday, November 15, kicking off the nationwide search for Israel's next representative to the prestigious European music competition.
A Revamped Judging Panel and Familiar Hosts
The upcoming season brings an exciting shake-up to the expert judging panel. Alongside returning veterans Keren Peles, Shiri Maimon, Assaf Amdursky, and Itay Levi, popular singer Omer Adam joins the panel to help select the Israeli contender. Meanwhile, beloved hosts Assi Azar and Rotem Sela will return to helm the production for another successful season.
The judges and hosts recently gathered for a festive season-launch event held at the luxurious Elkonin Hotel in Tel Aviv. Noam Bitan, Israel's representative to Eurovision 2026, was also invited to the special gathering to officially pass the baton to the incoming stars.
A Revolutionary European Scoring System
In a historic departure from tradition, producers are introducing a sweeping reform to the show's iconic voting mechanism. After years of relying on simple binary blue or red buttons, the format is adopting an authentic European scoring system modeled directly after the Eurovision Song Contest.
Under the new framework, the judges will abandon the traditional 'pass or fail' verdict. Instead of a uniform weight, each judge will award contestants a graded score ranging from 4 to 12 points. These individual scores will be combined in real-time with the votes of the studio audience.
Despite the overhaul of the scoring mechanics, the show's most famous visual trademark remains intact: the giant interactive wall will continue to separate performers from the audience. To raise the wall and advance to the next round, contestants must cross a combined threshold of 70 percent.
The Road to Eurovision 2027
This structural shift represents the most significant strategic transformation in the competition's history. Developed by Tedy Productions and Keshet, the format has established itself over the past decade as Israel's leading platform for musical talent discovery and a launching pad for international success.
The winner of the upcoming season will carry the Israeli flag to the Eurovision 2027 stage, which is set to take place in Bulgaria. Meanwhile, public broadcaster Kan has appointed Or Nir as the official spokesperson for the Israeli delegation, operating under the management of Adva Galanti.
