Eurovision: Madonna Divides Fans With Rumours She's Set To Perform At Song Contest In Israel

It is claimed she will perform two songs at this year's contest in Tel Aviv.
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Madonna has divided Eurovision fans with news she is reportedly set to perform at this year’s Song Contest in Tel Aviv.

According to Israel news outlet Haaretz, the Eurovision Broadcasting Union has confirmed the pop icon will take to the stage to with two songs during the live final of the annual competition.

Madonna is said to be performing at
Madonna is said to be performing at
PA Archive/PA Images

However, Madonna’s planned appearance has prompted criticism from some, in light of the political situation in Israel.

@Madonna FFS, Israël? I know your fanbase is 45+, but that’s no reason for this BS. You can’t do this without loosing sympathy. It’s like Barbra defending Michael. Step up and do the right thing!! #madonna

— Marieke Van der Kruijs (@MariekeKruijs) April 9, 2019

@Madonna
This is one gig that shouldn’t even be considered. Please do not disappoint your fans around the world. Cancel.#BoycottEurovision2019 #SavePalestine#HumanRights

Madonna to perform at Eurovision 2019 in Israel https://t.co/yj1rapu6bE via @SBSNews

— iQ_S4R4 (@iQ_S4R4) April 9, 2019

Dear @Madonna,

In 2014 you tweeted support for Palestinian children as they were being bombed

Will you act now for Palestinian children by canceling your performance at Eurovision in Israel?#BoycottEurovision2019 https://t.co/ANkkzELBEO pic.twitter.com/9ndgwOaHuy

— Ariel Gold 🔥💕 אריאל (@ArielElyseGold) April 8, 2019

Dear @Madonna, remember when #Gaza was being bombed by #Israel & you tweeted for #peace? How are you helping peace by performing in an apartheid state of occupation, siege and genocides? Truly shameful. https://t.co/7mglU52yi6

— Omar Ghraieb🇵🇸 (@Omar_Gaza) April 9, 2019

Dear @Madonna, by performing at #Eurovision2019, you’re condoning every human rights abuse by the israeli gov, including the killing of innocent civilians, and the arrest & imprisonment of children as young as 9.

For the love of humanity, please cancel.https://t.co/1njSfJsjxb

— Claude El Khal (@claudeelkhal) April 8, 2019

Hey @Madonna, you yourself said that “the children of Gaza need our support!” Why then do you have plans to play at @Eurovision in Tel Aviv this year?

Your performance will serve to artwash the crimes of Apartheid Israel.

Cancel the performance now! https://t.co/94WtSgHUg1 pic.twitter.com/y4kDaNQCMR

— CODEPINK (@codepink) April 8, 2019

Extremely disappointing. I was a huge fan for years, but how she can defend this is beyond me. https://t.co/0MJrCgVL0Q

— HeLikedTurner (@HeLikedTurner) April 8, 2019

Many stars including Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Brian Eno and filmmakers Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, previously called for a boycott of the event, in a letter published in the Guardian backing an appeal from Palestinian artists.

It said: “We, the undersigned artists from Europe and beyond, support the heartfelt appeal from Palestinian artists to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 hosted by Israel.

“Until Palestinians can enjoy freedom, justice and equal rights, there should be no business-as-usual with the state that is denying them their basic rights.”

Other signatories included novelist Yann Martel, actress Julie Christie, writer and director Peter Kosminsky and British band Wolf Alice.

However, many welcomed Madonna’s appearance at this year’s Eurovision, which will reportedly see her perform a classic track and a new single.

Can everybody acknowledge that @Madonna will bring the spotlights to the eurovision contest and also the issues going on in israel to the whole universe not the other way around 👑🎆🎆🎆👊 #madonna pic.twitter.com/aeZk6cf4k1

— Leonardo Braz (@brazleonardo12) April 8, 2019

Who’s excited about this? Finally, a reason to watch Eurovision! https://t.co/VI9xKPhSM4 #eurovision #esc #madonna #themadonnaofbolton

— Matt Cain (@MattCainWriter) April 8, 2019

if madonna doesn't incorporate candy shop into her eurovision performance what even is the point?

— 🐽alim kheraj (@alimkheraj) April 8, 2019

Madonna to Europe RN #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/pzLnDLA1BP

— Luke Johnson (@ThatGuyLukey) April 8, 2019

Tel Aviv was selected as the host city for the content after Israeli act Netta won last year’s Eurovision with her song Toy.

It was reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had initially planned to hold the event in Jerusalem, but the location changed amid tensions with Palestine.

Madonna has performed in Israel three times previously, the most recent time being in 2012.

Her performance at Eurovision is reportedly set to cost around £765,000, which is set be covered by billionaire businessman Sylvan Adams.

The UK will be represented by singer Michael Rice and his song Bigger Than Us at this year’s contest, which takes place on May 18.

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