As y’all know by now, Tel Aviv will be the host city of Eurovision 2019. The Israeli news website Ynet has recently revealed more information regarding the upcoming contest, including the final candidates on KAN’s list to host the contest: Shiri Maimon, Erez Tal, Geula Even Saar and Lucy Ayoub. The official announcement of the hosts is expected in November.

So who are these Israeli stars that we could see hosting from Pavilion 1 and 2 in May 2019? Let’s look at the candidates.

Shiri Maimon

Shiri Maimon needs no introduction if you’re a hardcore Eurovision fan, as she reached a respectful fourth place in Eurovision 2005 with her song “HaSheket SheNish’ar” (The Silence that Remains) – one of Israel’s best results ever in Eurovision.

Other than her successful musical and acting career, she has also been a TV host during the last two decades in many TV shows, as well as hosting the former Israeli national selection for Eurovision — Kdam — in 2011.

Shiri is as busy as ever. She is currently starring in the Broadway musical Chicago as the main character Roxie Hart. Recently it was announced that she will also join The Next Star For Eurovision 2019 (Israel’s national selection show) as a judge.

Erez Tal

Erez Tal, 57, is one of Israel’s most successful TV and radio hosts. He hosted an endless number of TV shows during the last decades and has huge experience in hosting live TV shows, which made him the leading male candidate on KAN’s wishlist. Another reason he is one of the leading candidates is his role in Eurovision 2018 — he was a commentator and received an incredibly positive feedback after the broadcast.

Geula Even-Saar

Geula Even-Saar, 46, is a senior TV presenter on KAN (she began on the former IBA channel), mostly on the main evening newscast. She is also a journalist and a radio host.

Lucy Ayoub

Lucy Ayoub, 26, is KAN’s TV and radio presenter, who gave Israel’s jury points during Eurovision 2018. According to the latest reports, she is the only confirmed host at the moment. KAN would reportedly like her to co-host in the green room or in a similar position so she will not be one of the main hosts.

Lior Suchard

Lior Suchard, 36, is a mentalist and self-described “mystifier” who performs “supernatural entertainment”. He is well known as a mentalist both in Israel and abroad. He has appeared on many big major TV shows in the US, such as The Tonight Show with Jay Leno (five times!), Larry King Now, The Doctors, Good Morning America and The Late Late Show with James Corden.

According to Ynet’s report, Lior is on the candidates list as well, yet he seems to be ranked quite low on the list and is not as popular as KAN’s top pick for the male host, Erez Tal.

Gal Gadot?

Gal Gadot is perhaps the biggest Israeli star abroad at the moment. She’s a face of female empowerment in light of her humanitarian work and starring role in the Wonder Woman franchise. Shortly after Israel won Eurovision in May 2018, KAN reached out to her and offered her to host Eurovision 2019, but unfortunately her schedule was already full and she had to turn down the offer.

Yet in a recent interview with KAN’s CEO Eldad Koblentz, he hinted that he hasn’t given up yet on getting Gal as a host and is ready to make it as easy as possible for her if she’ll just say yes. Will we see the Wonder Woman at Eurovision 2019? Who knows!

The upcoming events

According to Ynet this is the estimated schedule for the upcoming events:

November: Official announcement of the hosts.

Official announcement of the hosts. December: Sale of the first batch of tickets begins.

Sale of the first batch of tickets begins. February: Selection of the Israeli representative and song.

Selection of the Israeli representative and song. Late March/April: Stage construction and first rehearsals, postcard filming in Israel.

Stage construction and first rehearsals, postcard filming in Israel. April/May: Delegations arrive in Israel.

Delegations arrive in Israel. May:

9 – The Eurovision Village Opening

14 – Semi Final 1

16 – Semi Final 2

18 – The Grand Final

Eurovision 2019 locations

We already know that the contest will take place at the Expo Tel Aviv (International Convention Center) on Tuesday 14, Thursday 16 and Saturday 18 May 2019. In addition, there are other events that surround the contest that will take place in Tel-Aviv. These are the events and locations, according to Ynet:

The Host City Insignia Exchange and the semi-finals allocation draw will be held at the historic city hall on Bialik Street.

and the will be held at the historic city hall on Bialik Street. The Red Carpet event will be held at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art square.

will be held at the Tel Aviv Museum of Art square. The Eurovision Village will be at the Charles Clore Park.

What do you think about the potential hosts? who would you like to host Eurovision 2019? Share your ideas below!