Israel’s finalist says he cried before the semifinal as years of work hit at once, then delivered a poised performance despite boos and hostile chantsNoam Bettan brought Michelle to the Eurovision stage with French flair and an Israeli soul, advancing to Saturday night’s final after a semifinal performance that drew cheers despite boos and chants of “genocide” from parts of the crowd.Bettan is now considered a contender to win the contest and potentially return Eurovision to Israel in principle, though a country in a war zone would not be able to host. Director Yoav Tzafir said Bettan has what it takes. “Noam deserves to win the competition. He is the best singer here,” Tzafir said.נועם בתן בגמר! (Video: EBU, courtesy of Kan)Israel’s delegation and Bettan endured several tense minutes before Israel was announced as one of the 10 countries advancing to the final. But after a poised, charismatic and precise performance, few in the delegation appeared surprised by the result.In an interview with ynet after the semifinal, Bettan spoke about performing before the crowd, facing hostile chants and a moment before the semifinal when he allowed himself to break down in tears.“I am happy I managed to bring joy to the country,” he said. “I enjoyed every second on stage. There were also moments that were less pleasant, like the calls from outside. But overall, I really kept my chin up and I was enjoying myself and focused. And the dancers with me on stage, it is important to say, are simply phenomenal.”In an interview in Israel, you told me it is impossible to really prepare for boos. So there were boos and also shouts of “genocide.” What goes through your mind in those seconds? Do you shrink a little, feel hurt?