Madonna: Critics trying to stop me singing at Israel’s Eurovision haven’t got a Prayer
SHE has always defiantly done things her own way during her four-decade career.
Now Madonna has taken on the anti-Israel lobby by agreeing to perform at tonight’s Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv.
Surrounded by security guards, she made a colourful appearance on her way to a nightclub in the city in a £1,200 multi-coloured versace satin shirt and matching shorts, completing the outfit with fishnet tights, black boots and glasses.
The singer, 60, was finally confirmed as a special guest performer at this year’s Eurovision on Thursday after weeks of speculation.
Protesters, including some of her own fans, pleaded with her to boycott the contest because of the Israel- Palestinian conflict. But Madonna said earlier this week: ‘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.
‘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.’
Madonna will perform two tracks during the interval of the show. As well as new single Future, she will sing Like A Prayer with a 35-strong choir, marking 30 years since the release of the 1989 hit. The appearance will reportedly cost organisers £ 780,000, including flights and accommodation for the singer and her reported 135-strong entourage.
It is thought that her stage performance will be the most elaborate in Eurovision history. According to insiders it will include costume changes, holographics and an appearance by uS rapper Quavo, 28, who features on Future.
A source said yesterday: ‘ Madonna’s agreed to do Eurovision because she knows she will have a huge audience. She’s not going to make controversy stop her from promoting her new album – actually, this will only bring her more attention. She’ll be treating it as her mini concert rather than part of a singing competition. She’s pulling out all the stops and no expense has been spared.’
Michael Rice will represent the uK in tonight’s competition, with The Netherlands favourite to win, followed by Sweden and Russia.