Madonna will reportedly perform at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
The European Broadcasting Union has confirmed to Haaretz that the singer will perform two songs at the event, which is being hosted by Israel.
One track will be a well-known single, while the other will be a new song. Reports previously indicated Madonna and the contest’s producers were at odds as the new song contains political messages.
The superstar’s performance has allegedly cost $1 million, with billionaire businessman Sylvan Adams – who has settled in Tel Aviv – footing the bill.
Israel are set to host the singing competition after the country’s entry – Netta, with the song “Toy” – won the 2018 edition. The choice of location has caused much controversy, with calls from around the world to boycott the ceremony.
Peter Gabriel, Vivienne Westwood and Roger Waters were among 50 British cultural figures to sign an open letter asking the BBC to push the organisers on moving the competition to another country.
The Prime Minister of Israel, Benjamin Netanyahu, had wanted to hold the 2019 competition in Jerusalem, but the city’s nationality has been heavily disputed, with Palestine claiming ownership over the Israeli-occupied area. The competition will instead take place in Tel Aviv.
Madonna has previously played in Israel on three occasions, the first in 1993, followed by shows in 2009 and 2012.
The Prime Minister’s Office previously announced that they would cover $410,000 of the security costs for the contest.
