Izhar Cohen (Hebrew: יזהר כהן, born March 13, 1951, Giv'atayim, Israel) is an Israeli singer and actor.
Representing Israel, he won the 1978 Eurovision Song Contest with the group Alphabeta performing "A-Ba-Ni-Bi" with music by Nurit Hirsh and words by Ehud Manor.[1] The title of the song is the Hebrew word "ani" (first person singular pronoun) expressed in the popular children's code "Bet language".
Cohen later represented Israel again (this time with an unnamed group of backing singers) at the 1985 contest performing "Olé, Olé" (music - Kobi Oshrat, words - Hamutal Ben-Ze'ev) where he finished 5th. He attempted to represent Israel again in 1987 and 1996 but did not win the national final.
Cohen was an actor in the Haifa Theater.
| Awards and achievements | ||
|---|---|---|
| Preceded by Marie Myriam with " L'oiseau et l'enfant" |
Winner of the Eurovision Song Contest (with Alphabeta) 1978 |
Succeeded by Gali Atari & Milk and Honey with "Hallelujah" |
| Preceded by Ilanit with "Ahava Hi Shir Lishnayim" |
Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest (with Alphabeta) 1978 |
Succeeded by Gali Atari & Milk and Honey with "Hallelujah" |
| Preceded by Ofra Haza with "Khay" |
Israel in the Eurovision Song Contest 1985 |
Succeeded by Moti Giladi & Sarai Tzuriel with "Yavo Yom" |
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