Wait, what? Madonna’s Eurovision performance may not happen and we’re SO confused
Remember when it was announced that the Queen of Pop herself was set to perform on the Eurovision stage during Saturday’s final? Yeah, well, we’re not so sure about that anymore.
Speaking on Monday, Eurovision’s executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand said, “the European Broadcasting Union has never confirmed Madonna as an act. If we do not have a signed contract, she cannot perform on our stage.”
Back in February, it was rumoured that the legendary Madonna was expected to accept a performance deal for the Eurovision. Later in April, KAN station and her US and UK publicists confirmed that the original Material Girl will be hitting the Eurovision stage during the final.
They even said that the star was set to play two songs during the interval; one from her new album Madame X and another classic one, rumoured to be 1989’s Like a Prayer.
Eurovision organisers downplayed the story at the time, saying “no final decisions” had been made, although this appeared to be a formality. Sand, who has produced the annual show since 2010, said that negotiations were still ongoing. Hawwadni ha nifhmek!
“We are in a situation now that is a bit strange,” he said. “We have an artist who would like to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and who we would love to welcome on that stage. But for that we need to have the framework secured,” he continued. “We are negotiating now, in the final stage of that, but if there is no signed contract this week, she will not be on stage.” About time, ruhi!
According to the Jerusalem Post, Madonna was set to arrive in Tel Aviv to start rehearsals yesterday. But no one has seen her, obviously. Eurovision haven’t commented on how they would fill the half-time show if her appearance is cancelled.
However, there is already a separate performance lined up featuring four former contestants: Conchita Wurst, Mans Zelmerlow, Eleni Foureira and Verka Serduchka, recreating some of Eurovision’s most memorable moments.
Whether Madonna will be performing on Saturday is yet to be confirmed, so, till then, we’ll just have to wait and see!