Winning the fifth season of Kokhav Nolad in 2007 launched the professional music career of Boaz Ma'uda. A resident of the moshav Elyakim, he transitioned from an unknown participant to a national representative at the Eurovision Song Contest within a single year, establishing his presence in the Israeli pop industry through a series of singles and a debut studio album.
Early Background and Breakthrough
Born on April 23, 1987, Ma'uda grew up in Elyakim. He is of Yemenite Jewish descent and remains a resident of the village. His introduction to the public eye occurred via the Israeli version of Pop Idol, Kokhav Nolad. A friend entered him into the auditions for the fifth season without his prior knowledge. Throughout the competition, he focused on Mizrahi and acoustic performances. In the August 29, 2007, finale, he faced competitors Marina Maximillian Blumin and Shlomi Bar'el. After performing 'Señorita' alongside David Broza and Avner Gadassi's 'Menagen veshar', he secured the win with 50 percent of the total votes, which subsequently earned him a recording contract with the label Hed Artzi.
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In November 2007, the Israel Broadcasting Authority and Channel 2 selected Ma'uda as the Israeli representative for the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest held in Belgrade, Serbia. A national pre-selection process in February 2008 required him to perform five potential entries; the public and a panel of experts chose the track 'Ke'ilu Kan', written by Dana International. Ma'uda competed in the first semi-final on May 20, 2008, placing fifth to qualify for the final. On May 24, he finished in ninth place overall, accumulating 124 points.
Musical Releases and Projects
Ma'uda released his debut studio album, titled 'Boaz Ma'uda', on July 7, 2009. The 11-track collection featured compositions by Keren Peles, including the singles 'Oreakh baolam' and 'Lakhzor Ha-baita'. The album also included 'Sha'ar libech', a cover of the song 'Zemrën e lamë peng' by Olta Boka, and 'Ausencia'. During 2009, he recorded 'Time to Pray' with Sirusho and Jelena Tomasevic. His acting credits include the role of Izhar Cohen in the series 'Johnny Hollywood'. In 2011, he recorded 'Yeled hasade' for the drama 'Alifim' and released the single 'Shniya Ve'od Ahat' in anticipation of a second studio album.
Fast facts
- Born: 23 April 1987
- Birthplace: Elyakim, Israel
- Occupation: Singer and songwriter
- Primary genre: Pop
- Kokhav Nolad win: 2007
- Eurovision finish: 9th place (2008)
- Debut album release: 2009
Questions readers ask
Where does Boaz Ma'uda live?
He resides in the moshav of Elyakim in Israel.
Which song did he perform at the 2008 Eurovision Song Contest?
He performed 'Ke'ilu Kan', a song written by Dana International.
