Madonna to perform at Eurovision in Israel despite calls to boycott contest
Written by News on 18/05/2019
Madonna will perform during the final of the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel, it has been confirmed, despite calls for her and other stars to boycott the event.
She will sing two songs in Tel Aviv on Saturday night including her 1989 hit Like A Prayer, with a 35-strong choir.
The US pop superstar will also showcase her new single Future, featuring American rapper Quavo.
There had been speculation about whether she would sing but has now signed a contract this week to appear on the TV show, despite her publicists announcing last month that she would be there.
It will be the first time 60-year-old Madonna has performed on the Eurovision stage, and the third where she has visited and sung in Israel.
She has rejected calls by pro-Palestinian activists not to perform at the event.
They have accused Madonna of “artwashing” and urged her to cancel.
But she insisted she will “never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda”.
She added she will always speak up to defend human rights, and prays for a “new path toward peace”.
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Madonna said her “heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict”.
Earlier she posted a video on social media which looked like it was filmed on stage at the Expo Tel Aviv.
Jon Ola Sand, the music competition’s executive supervisor, said: “We are pleased to finally confirm that the incomparable music icon Madonna will join us at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
“Performing live during the biggest entertainment show in the world will be a special moment for everyone – not least the fans.
“The talent on display in the competition this year is phenomenal and I’m sure the artists will further be inspired by her incredible performance and staging.
“We know that it will be an evening to remember and can’t wait to share it with everyone watching.”
Madonna is one of the world’s top female artists, selling more than 300 million records globally.
(c) Sky News 2019: Madonna to perform at Eurovision in Israel despite calls to boycott contest
