A performance by music legend Madonna at this weekend’s Eurovision Song Contest final has been talked about for weeks – but in the final days, a question mark arose over whether it would actually happen.
After reportedly arriving in Tel Aviv on Wednesday, and previously commenting on the furore around the event and its host nation, Eurovision bosses had stated this week there had been no deal made over Madonna’s appearance.
“We don’t have a signed contract with her team,” executive supervisor of Eurovision, Jon Ola Sand said.
“And if we do not have a signed contract, she cannot perform on our stage.”
But on Friday morning, her performance was officially confirmed in a statement from KAN and EBU.
"Even though the announcement was already made in the press a few weeks ago by different media outlets, the EBU can now also confirm the news as all contractual matters have been settled to secure rights for the EBU and our Members," the statement read.
Madonna will perform two songs during the grand final - her 1989 smash hit 'Like A Prayer' and a world exclusive of brand-new single 'Future', which she will perform together with American rapper Quavo.
Snagging the legendary singer for Eurovision Song Contest final is the perfect marketing coup for both parties.
On one hand, Madonna’s appearance with her patented brand of campy pop glitz is a surefire way to ramp up the star power of the occasion.
Madonna has released the first single from her 14th studio album. Source: Twitter
In return, the Queen of Pop gets the perfect platform to hit her target fanbase – and some 189 million viewers globally – with a taste of her forthcoming album Madame X, her 14th studio effort.
This year’s Eurovision, taking place in Tel Aviv following the win of Israeli singer Netta Barzilai in 2018, has been mired in controversy amid calls for a boycott from pro-Palestinian activists and many famous names including Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters and producer Brian Eno.
Earlier this month, the 60-year-old singer had put out a statement addressing her expected appearance at Eurovision.
"I'll never stop playing music to suit someone's political agenda nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be," the singer said in a statement.
"My 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. I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace," she added.
The Eurovision Grand Final will be broadcast on SBS on Sunday, 19 May at 5am (AEST) with an 8pm (AEST) replay, and also on .
