Madonna rejects calls to boycott Eurovision

Pop star Madonna has rejected calls for her to boycott this year’s Eurovision song contest in Israel, saying she will “never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda”.

The US singer issued a statement yesterday ahead of her expected arrival in Tel Aviv for a performance at the Eurovision event.

Madonna said her “heart breaks ever y 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 peo - ple who benefit from this ancient conflict”.

She said she prays for “a new path toward peace”. The Palestinian-led boycot t movement against Israel has urged artists to skip this week’s Eurovision in Tel Aviv. The pro - test came as the first semifinal round of performances was held last night.