Unicorn

Album: released as a single (2023)
Charted: 45
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Songfacts®:

  • Israeli singer-songwriter Noa Kirel began her music career aged 13 when she released "Medabrim BeShalom" on YouTube. Following its success, she dropped more songs, which were played on various Israeli radio stations. She won Singer of the Year at the Israeli Kids' Choice Awards the following year.

    When Kirel was 16, she became the youngest judge for an entire season of Israel's Got Talent.

    Kirel signed with Atlantic Records in June 2020 and unleashed her first international single, "Please Don't Suck." She continued to make waves, dropping the track "Bad Little Thing" and even performing it to kick off the Miss Universe 2021 pageant held in Eilat, Israel.

    In 2023, Kirel was internally selected by the Israeli Public Broadcasting Corporation, Israel's broadcaster for the Eurovision Song Contest. Her entry "Unicorn" secured an impressive third-place finish in the final with 362 points.
  • The word "re'em" in the Hebrew Bible refers to a mighty and untamed creature like a wild ox or auroch. In the King James Version (KJV), it translates as "unicorn," symbolizing strength and power. Psalm 92:10, for instance, metaphorically compares a horn to that of a unicorn, representing exalted strength and power.

    Noa Kirel's song carries a message of inner strength and resilience, particularly for women. She compares herself to a unicorn, standing tall and independent, embracing her own power. Kirel determines not to dwell on the past or be discouraged, boldly stating that she will move forward without hesitation.
  • Kirel co-wrote "Unicorn" with Israeli songwriters Doron Medalie, May Sfadia and Yinon Yahel. Medalie co-penned "Toy," which was performed by Netta Barzilai and won the Eurovision Song Contest 2018. Yahel helped compose the Israeli entry for the 2015 Eurovision Song Contest, which came ninth in the final.
  • In an interview with I24News, Kirel said "Unicorn" carries a powerful message of self-empowerment. "The power to say what you want, what you feel, to dress how you want, to do whatever you want to do to be who you want to be."
  • Kirel drew inspiration from her own experiences as a young teenager in creating the track. "I started my career at 13 years old. In the beginning, I got a lot of criticism about what I was doing as a young woman and artist," she recalled. "At that time, I felt everybody was trying to put me down, and then I discovered this invisible horn that I needed to embrace, and I believe everyone has their horn that makes them different. Believe in yourself, in your dreams, because you can do anything you want."

    Kirel went on to explain that the lyrics of "Unicorn" aim to promote coexistence and togetherness, addressing the negative image often associated with Israel in the international community. Through her music, she seeks to transcend boundaries and foster unity.

    "I'm saying in the song, 'Hey, do you want to check my DNA?' We all have the same DNA, no matter your religion or where you come from. It's all about that, let's listen to each other, it doesn't matter where you come from or what your religion is, just listen to each other and understand we're all the same."

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