Representing Israel at the 2009 Eurovision Song Contest, Mira Awad became the first performer of Christian or Arab origin to appear on the country's behalf. Her performance of "There Must Be Another Way," alongside singer Noa, featured the first use of Arabic lyrics in an Israeli entry, marking a notable moment in her career as a singer-songwriter and actress.
Early Life and Education
Born on June 11, 1975, in Rameh, Israel, she is the daughter of Anwar Awad, an Arab-Christian physician from the Galilee, and Snezhanka, a Bulgarian-Christian specialist in Slavic languages. She studied at the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music in Ramat HaSharon and the University of Haifa. Her formative artistic training included improvisational workshops supported by the British Council and the BIArts program, alongside studies at the Body Theatre School.
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At sixteen, she performed as a soloist with the band Samana. Her television profile grew significantly following her role in the sitcom Arab Labor, where she portrayed Amal, an Arab-Israeli human rights lawyer. Her discography includes the 2009 collaborative album with Noa and her debut solo release, Acrobat (Bahlawan). She has also collaborated with the Idan Raichel Project and the metal band Orphaned Land, and reached the semi-finals of the fifth season of the reality show Rokdim Im Kokhavim.
Political Engagement
Awad identifies as both Palestinian and Israeli, a position that has invited criticism from varied political factions. During the 2008 municipal elections, she stood as a candidate for the Ir LeKulanu party in Tel Aviv-Yafo. In 2009, she expressed support for the Hadash party. Despite calls from certain Arab intellectuals to boycott her participation in the 2009 Eurovision contest, she performed alongside Noa, emphasizing their long-standing creative partnership. In 2009, both women received the Haviva Reik Peace Prize. She has continued to comment on regional conflicts, including expressing public critiques regarding the war in Gaza during late 2023.
Fast facts
- Born: 11 June 1975, Rameh
- Citizenship: Israel
- Languages: Bulgarian, Hebrew, Arabic
- Education: Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music, University of Haifa
- Eurovision 2009 Rank: 16th
- Religion: Christianity
Questions readers ask
Did Mira Awad compete in Dancing with the Stars?
Yes, she appeared in the fifth season of the Israeli version, Rokdim Im Kokhavim, where she finished in fourth place.
What was the significance of the 2009 Eurovision song?
It was the first Israeli Eurovision entry to include partial Arabic lyrics, performed by Awad and Noa.
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