Legendary songstress Madonna has been rumoured to perform the interval act at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel this year.
It is estimated a guest performance from Madonna would cost officials over $1 Million.
Sylvan Adams, a Canadian-Israeli billionaire has offered to cover Madonna’s booking fee.
Adams’ business partner spoke to news agency YNet about the likelihood of Madonna performing:
“We are in round-the-clock negotiations with Madonna’s people and we hope that in the next few days we will sign her arrival at the Eurovision Song Contest in Israel.”
The partner continued:
“Sylvan Adams believes that the participation of an artist like Madonna in the Eurovision will significantly increase the exposure and media coverage of the Eurovision Song contest and the events that accompany it, and through Madonna’s visit to Israel, millions will be exposed to the wonderful people and the beauty of the State of Israel.”
The song contest is due to take place in Tel Aviv in May this year, after Israeli representative, Netta Barzilai, won the contest last year with her song ‘Toy’.
Many activists have announced that they will boycott the performance due to the current situation between Israel and Palestine.
In an opinion piece for GCN, Derek Laffan outlined why many are outraged by the decision to allow Israel to host.
Laffan writes:
“There is a very sinister side to this year’s competition that has garnered widespread international support, lead from Palestine where many human rights and equality activists are calling for a full boycott of the Eurovision Song Contest and Tel Aviv Pride.”
Laffan continues:
“Since 1967, Israel has been building settlements, which are illegal under international law, on occupied Palestinian land, having a hugely destructive impact on all aspects of Palestinian lives. Indeed Eurovision 2019 will be broadcasted into these settlements, in direct contravention of a call from the Palestine Liberation Organization and the Palestinian Journalists’ Syndicate.”
Despite calls for a boycott, Ireland will be sending a representative to perform at Eurovision this year.
© 2019 GCN (Gay Community News). All rights reserved.
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