Israeli entrant to the 2003 Eurovision Song Contest, Lior Narkis, revealed to Yediot Ahronot how the song he will sing in Riga most probably will sound and look like.
In their first meeting with IBA (Israeli broadcaster) officials, Lior Narkis and his manager made it clear that the final entry to be performed on the stage in Riga must be an up-tempo, latin-spanish style song. The singer also informed the IBA that for this kind of performance he will need 3-4 dancing backing singers.
Meantime, a bit of criticism is starting to rise concerning the surprising selection of Narkis and the method of selection. Gali Atari (1979 Eurovision winner with Halleluja) said: I'm surprised, I didn't know he was a candidate. He has a nice voice but I think David De'Or would have been a better choice. Yizhar Cohen (1978 Eurovision winner): They both have good voices, but I think Lior Narkis could have waited a couple more years. Avi Toledano (Israel 1982): I think David De'Or with his unique voice would have been something more attractive. The most blunt person was Shlomo Tzah, who produced many of the Israeli entries, including the winners of 1978 and 1979: I can't understand this choice. There are many other better qualified artists. David De'Or is by far a more appropriate singer, says Tzah.
Among those who supported Narkis' selection were Yardena Arazi (entrant to 1976, 1988 and host of 1979) and Sarit Hadad, Last year's entrant.
David De'Or himself commented: Lior Narkis is a great singer.I wish him big success and I thank all those who made the effort and supported me.
Yediot Ahronot's TV critic posted an article and complained about the secret and political method Narkis was chosen, and the unprofessional members of the jury.
