Madonna has won this year’s Eurovision throng contest by turning up with a 135-strong entourage.
The pop diva, set to perform two songs in the interval during Saturday’s final, also brought 30 tonnes of props for her elaborate stage set.
Details of Madonna’s turn are secret and she had been rehearsing at an undisclosed site in Wembley. She is hoping to fuel ticket sales for her tour, kicking off in September.
The star hit Tel Aviv, Israel, with a crew including 25 dancers, 40 backing singers, a director, a choreographer and animators.
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And her kit has piled extra pressure on stagehands, with one source saying: “They have enough work as it is with the 41 acts and now she’s adding 30 tonnes of props too.”
Madonna has apparently not signed a contract yet over safety concerns. Israeli Fuldi Schwartz, 66, died on Monday after being crushed. He was unloading gear when a lighting rig fell over.
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Meanwhile, Madonna could spark controversy tomorrow if she confirms she will sing Like a Prayer, to mark her hit’s 30th anniversary. An insider said: “A song about religious devotion sung in this part of the world, at this time, could be quite incendiary.”
The other song she will sing is single Medellín, from new album Madame X.
UK coverage of the contest is on BBC1 from 8pm on Saturday. Our entry Michael Rice, 21, will sing Bigger Than Us.
