Israel’s Eurovision hopeful ill
Shiri Maimon feels sick following performance that grants her spot in song contest's final scheduled for Saturday; Israeli delegation head says 'she suffers from mild cold, rehearsals would not be affected
Those who expected the Israeli delegation to the Eurovision Song Contest in Kiev to celebrate Shiri Maimon’s advancement to the competition’s final (scheduled for Saturday at 10 p.m., or 3 p.m. EDT) should have witnessed the parade of physicians that made their way to the President Hotel to examine the star.
Maimon began to feel ill immediately following a press conference held upon the conclusion of the competition’s semi-final stage.
Her background singers also complained of cold symptoms and dizziness.
Delegation head Yitzhak Zonenstein preferred not to take any chances and summoned local physicians to examine the performers.
“This, of course, will not affect rehearsals,” he said. “During the first rehearsal she (Maimon) will not exhort herself as much so she may preserve her voice, but until the competition everything will be fine. She has a mild cold, nothing more.”
‘You did it’
Israel advanced to the Eurovision Song Contest finals in Kiev early Friday, as the song "The quiet that remains," performed by Maimon, ranked seventh in the contest's semi-final stage.
25 countries competed for only 10 slots that ensured a place in the finals.
Maimon, who rose to fame by advancing to the final stage of the local version of American Idol a few years back, sang the latter half of the song in English.
Traditionally, countries competing in the Eurovision contest sent songs in their native tongues, but in recent years more countries have increasingly resorted to English-language songs, which are easily understood by the audience and are perceived to have a better chance of winning.
"I believe the fact that I sang in English helped me advance to the finals," Maimon told Channel 1 TV following the competition. "The feeling is amazing. I don't think it was easy, as there were amazing performances and amazing songs; we were a little worried, but we succeeded. I'll see you all in the finals on Saturday."
Maimon walked on stage in a gold-colored dress with a long train, accompanied by three background singers and an acoustic guitar player.
Dana International, winner of the 1998 Eurovision contest, said in response to Maimon's accomplishment "I have only three words to say to her: You did it."
"She deserved to reach the final because she gave an excellent performance," she said.
