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Israeli TV Show To Scout Next Female Pop Group

Pop star Dana International will host the reality show, scheduled to air in 2014

by
Yanir Dekel
October 08, 2013
Dana International.(Eitan Tal)
Dana International.(Eitan Tal)

One of the most interesting new Israeli television programs will feature none other than Dana International, Israel’s transgender singing sensation, on a quest to find and form the next big female pop group. The reality show, scheduled to air in February 2014, will follow Dana International as she hosts auditions and then mentors and coaches the group to pop stardom.

The show is currently in development with Channel 24, Israel’s music channel, and Dana International is reportedly helping with the final arrangements of the format. Choosing her to host the show is likely not coincidental—Israel’s Keshet productions, which runs Channel 24 and is best known among American audiences for producing Hatufim, the inspiration for Homeland, has recently been getting international attention for its innovative content and strategies. Last week, Variety cited Keshet’s overhaul of the reality show format and implementation of a mobile app with which viewers get to vote for candidates on the singing competition Rising Star.

Dana International, who herself rose to fame after winning the Eurovision Song Contest for Israel in 1998, is arguably a product of early reality television, making her well-suited for the new role. She’ll also be fueling longstanding rumors that after her Eurovision win she turned down a request to join the Spice Girls, replacing Geri Halliwell, who had left the band that year.

Yanir Dekel is a writer and Editorial Marketing expert living in Los Angeles. His new book, Imperfect Thing Called Love, is now available in paperback and digital editions.