How a reality TV runner-up became Israel's most decorated female artist
In short: In 2013, an 18-year-old singer entered the X Factor Israel auditions. She didn't win the competition, but she achieved something far more enduring: a string of consecutive awards and a record-breaking presence on the national charts that redefined modern Israeli pop.
Eden Ben Zaken’s ascent began with a second-place finish on the first season of X Factor Israel. While her initial attempt at the talent show Kohav Nolad at age 17 ended in failure and harsh criticism, her subsequent appearance on X Factor launched a career defined by rapid commercial success. By the time she released her debut album, Malkat Hash\u021ba (Queen of the Roses), in September 2015, she was already a major force. The album earned gold certification after selling over 15,000 copies and reached double-platinum status following 50,000 digital downloads.
Her musical identity is a sophisticated blend of Mizrahi, soul, pop, and R&B, drawing influence from artists like Christina Aguilera and Beyonce. This stylistic fusion helped her dominate the airwaves. Between 2015 and 2017, Ben Zaken secured the 'Singer of the Year' title from various major outlets, including the TV channel 24, Mako, and the radio station Kan Gimel. Her impact on the Galgalatz charts was particularly historic; in 2017, she achieved an all-time record for a female singer by placing five different songs on the yearly chart, with two of those reaching the top ten.
Beyond the charts, Ben Zaken has been recognized as Israel's Woman of the Year three times in a row. Her discography includes hits like 'Mangina' and 'Tazizu,' the latter of which became the theme song for the cable channel Arutz HaYeladim. Despite facing criticism regarding her ability to lead full-scale live shows during performances at the Caesarea theater, her influence remains undeniable. In 2016, she was even named the most influential Israeli at age 22, cementing her transition from a reality TV contestant to a cornerstone of the Israeli music industry.
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- Summary by Intellect · source: Eden Ben Zaken
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