Harel Skaat
A powerful vocalist who rose from Israeli reality TV to become a defining voice of modern Hebrew pop and a Eurovision favorite.
Born 1981 (age 45)·Israeli singer·Birthday: August 8·Millennials
Biography
Harel Skaat's voice was his ticket out of Kfar Saba. After winning the second season of the Israeli singing competition 'Kokhav Nolad,' he didn't just fade into the pop landscape; he helped reshape it. His music, often blending soulful Middle Eastern melodies with polished pop production, resonated deeply with Israeli audiences, making his albums immediate bestsellers. His selection for the 2010 Eurovision Song Contest was a natural culmination of his popularity. While 'Milim' (Words) finished 14th, its emotional performance cemented his status as a national talent. Skaat's career is marked by a consistent artistic seriousness, collaborating with top Israeli songwriters and exploring themes of love, heartbreak, and identity. More than a pop star, he is considered one of the premier interpreters of contemporary Hebrew song, his baritone voice carrying a weight and warmth that feels distinctly authentic.
Millennials
1981–1996
The first digital natives. Grew up with the internet, came of age during 9/11 and the 2008 crash. Highly educated, deeply indebted, slower to marry and buy houses. Redefined work, identity, and what it means to be an adult.
Harel was born in 1981, placing them squarely in the Millennials. The events that shaped this generation — the internet revolution, 9/11, and the 2008 financial crisis — shaped the world they entered and the choices available to them.
#1 When Harel Was Born
The biggest hits of 1981
#1 Movie
Raiders of the Lost Ark
Best Picture
Chariots of Fire
#1 TV Show
Dallas
Harel's Life & Times
The world at every milestone
1981Born
MTV launches; first Space Shuttle flight; AIDS identified
Gas: $1.31/galHome: $52,300Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"Bette Davis Eyes" — Kim CarnesBest Picture: Chariots of Fire
1986Started school
Challenger disaster; Chernobyl nuclear meltdown
Gas: $0.86/galHome: $66,600Min wage: $3.35/hrPresident: Ronald Reagan"That's What Friends Are For" — Dionne & FriendsBest Picture: Platoon
1994Became a teenager
Nelson Mandela elected president of South Africa
Gas: $1.11/galHome: $90,400Min wage: $4.25/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"The Sign" — Ace of BaseBest Picture: Forrest Gump
1997Could drive
Princess Diana dies in Paris car crash; Harry Potter published
Gas: $1.23/galHome: $104,100Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Candle in the Wind 1997" — Elton JohnBest Picture: Titanic
1999Could vote
Columbine shooting; Y2K panic builds
Gas: $1.17/galHome: $113,900Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: Bill Clinton"Believe" — CherBest Picture: American Beauty
2002Turned 21
Euro currency enters circulation
Gas: $1.36/galHome: $137,800Min wage: $5.15/hrPresident: George W. Bush"How You Remind Me" — NickelbackBest Picture: Chicago
2011Turned 30
Osama bin Laden killed; Arab Spring sweeps the Middle East
Gas: $3.53/galHome: $138,400Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Barack Obama"Rolling in the Deep" — AdeleBest Picture: The Artist
2021Turned 40
January 6 Capitol breach; COVID vaccines roll out globally
Gas: $3.01/galHome: $298,900Min wage: $7.25/hrPresident: Joe Biden"Levitating" — Dua LipaBest Picture: CODA
2026Age 45 today
Gas: $3.91/galPresident: Donald Trump
Key Achievements
- Won the second season of the Israeli reality singing competition 'Kokhav Nolad' (A Star is Born) in 2004.
- Represented Israel at the Eurovision Song Contest 2010 in Oslo with the song 'Milim', placing 14th in the final.
- Released multiple chart-topping albums in Israel, including his self-titled debut which achieved platinum status.
- Served as a judge on the Israeli versions of 'The X Factor' and 'The Voice'.
- His song 'Ve'at' became one of the most played tracks on Israeli radio in 2009.
Did You Know?
He served in the Israeli Defense Forces as a singer in the military entertainment troupe.
He is openly gay and has been an advocate for LGBTQ+ rights in Israel.
He performed the Israeli national anthem, 'Hatikvah', at the official state ceremony for Israeli Independence Day in 2016.
He studied at the Rimon School of Jazz and Contemporary Music.
His stage name 'Skaat' is his mother's maiden name, which he adopted professionally.
“My voice is my bridge from a small town to a whole country.”
