Evan Malach. Photo: Screenshot.

Canadian singer and songwriter Evan Malach was announced as the winner of the 2012 Hallelujah Global Jewish Singing Contest—known as Israel’s version of “American Idol”—on Saturday from a field of 30 contestants from around the world, with his rendition of the Israeli rock classic “Canaanite Blues.”

Malach, 27, will be awarded $8,000 and will be invited to record a duet with Israeli singer Dudu Fisher. Malach will also embark on a singing tour of Jewish centers throughout the world.

Hallelujah hosted 30 contestants from around the world between the ages of 18 and 30 in Israel for three weeks as part of the competition. The contestants toured iconic sites and worked with leading artists in the industry to prepare their performances in Hebrew.

The star-studded panel of judges included veteran Israeli entertainer Yehoram Gaon, rock musician Yehuda Eder, singer Ilanit, and Israeli series “The Voice” finalist Tzachi Halevy. Courtney Simons of New York was awarded second place, which carries a $4,000 prize, and Polina Zizak from Russia received the $2,000 third prize.

You can watch a video of Evan performing below.