She’s the Material Girl known for being at the centre of drama. And Madonna is holding true to form when it comes to Eurovision 2019. Just a few days ago Israeli media revealed that negotiations between the megastar and KAN are ongoing, and that the parties are very close to reaching an agreement over her performances during the Eurovision 2019 interval.

But it now seems that a new crisis is brewing and that it might jeopardise Madonna’s planned show in Tel Aviv. This time it’s not about her $1.5 million appearance fee, but rather the singer’s artistic vision.

According to Ynet, one of the songs that Madonna intends to perform has been described by some officials at KAN as “controversial and inappropriate” to the spirit of the contest and they requested that she choose an alternative. However, Mr Eldad Koblenz, KAN’s CEO, has reportedly sided with the singer and expressed his opinion that her freedom should be respected, leaving the choice to Madonna herself.

Ynet also reported that Madonna had filmed a political advertisement that would “lead to controversy”, although it is unclear if this has any relation to the song choice.

Madonna at Eurovision 2019

Last January, Ynet reported that KAN had been holding talks with the gay icon and global superstar to be the main interval act for Eurovision 2019. But later we learned that things didn’t go smoothly due to financial disagreements. Apparently, her appearance fee is $1.5 million for two songs. This issue was later resolved thanks to Canadian-Israeli billionaire Mr Sylvan Adams who stepped in with the cash. Channel 12 news reported that Madonna is expected to perform for about 15 minutes during the Grand Final, as votes are counted.

Madonna has a strong connection to the holy land and she even added a Hebrew name to her birth name – Esther. She also practices Kabbalah and has visited Israel on many occasions. Her last concert in Israel was held in 2012.

KAN’s official response is to stay tight-lipped about it all. “We are working with the EBU and are subject to their rules and decisions,” they said.

Madonna hasn’t responded.

Do you think that this is a real crisis? Or is it just another step before the official announcement?

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dave
dave
4 years ago

of course I’ll appreciate Madonna’s interval act, especially now, after her single Medellin, but I m still sure the canadian millionare could have asked céline dion too. as special guest,besides a winner of eurovision.

dave
dave
5 years ago

I agree with comment below. I’ m a fan of Madonna, but I don’t think her presence might change something for the event. I prefer people choose to follow eurovision for the artists representing different countries and not for a special guest. For Madonna I prefer buying a ticket for one of her concert.

Uwe Brandt
Uwe Brandt
4 years ago
Reply to  dave

Well Justin Timberlake performed at the Eurovision Final in Sweden, too.
And as the BIG Music Event did not really provide a BIG international Hit in the last years even though Netta could set up a little hit again with her win, I think it s great that Madonna will perform there to bring attention forit.
AndI hope this year we will get a big hit as winner from this big event.

CyxCy
CyxCy
5 years ago

I have a lot of respect for Madonna and her career but honestly, whether she is there or not, it will not change the show. we are not going to hide that today it is rather Lady Gaga or Ariana Grande who create the event. it makes me think of a TV channel in France that recently was surprised that their documentary on Britney Spears did not have a hearing. They needed that to understand that they were twenty years behind and that the French teenagers are not interested in Britney Spears at all.

Gunilla
Gunilla
5 years ago

Israel should use Edvard of Selen from Sweden and let him make a number whith the former Israel Eurovision winners. He has so much love for ESC and Israel would be soo proud of there stars if he would help out. But I think Israel is to proud to ask him.

Malin
Malin
5 years ago
Reply to  Gunilla

Well, the act that was a tribute to the former winners in melfest was great and I am proud of the acts in esc 2016. Edward is so good! But think they want to do their own show. : )

Malin
Malin
5 years ago

I think that it’s good to bring big superstars to the show!
Why? I think it’s good whith attention for the show, that may higher the interest. In Sweden people are more interested in melfest than ESC. I think if there are mega stars in the show like Madonna, more people from Sweden would see the show.

But maybe the interest for Madonna isn’t that big any longer. But the thought to bring an international star is good in my opinion. And offcours there should not be political and in the spirit of esc.

Anne
Anne
5 years ago

Madonna lives in Portugal since last year, en Lisboa… And last year in Eurovision 2018 in Lisboa, she was not invited to act in the show, nor to see the show, because portuguese organization wanted Portuguese and Lusophone (portuguese language) songs… Much more intelligent.

Shame Israel.

U. Brandt
U. Brandt
4 years ago
Reply to  Anne

Well we had Sobral as Performer for the Intervall Act even though he critizised the Event several times in a very ugly way. And I nearly fell asleep when he performed there with another Jazz Singer from Portugal. Portugal has much better Singers and Music than this like Madredeus. His winning the contest led to an Album and Tour for him – but did not provide an European or international hit. I heard the song once more on the Radio and then it was all gone.- The inivitation of Madonna got other reasons. She loves the country and was there… Read more »

uwu vision
uwu vision
5 years ago

oh my god there are so many Israeli artists you could choose from that could cost so much less to appear at esc, you could literally have Dana International or Netta back if you want. Nobody cares about Madonna anymore. The whole damn show is sponsored by MyHeritage, why don’t y’all show of yours?

Envit
Envit
5 years ago
Reply to  uwu vision

Netta and Dana are already confirmed. But the question is what show…

Uwe Brandt
Uwe Brandt
4 years ago
Reply to  uwu vision

There are several Eurovision Singers perform at the upcoming Eurovision.
Of course Madonna s Performance there raised BIG attention.

She even introduced her last Single from the upcoming new Album at a SPECIL 30 Minutes Show at MTV London with people via Satellite from Italy, Brazil, USA .

For WHICH Singer in the World MTV offers the same? Just to talk about a new Single???

NOBODY: No one delivers like Madonna.

Loin dici
5 years ago

As much as I care for this, I would care more if Hatari or Sergey withdraws. If she can’t, she can’t, Eldad, just let her go.

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago

Much as I like Madonna and her songs, I’m sad that we won’t have something modern but quintessentially Israeli for the interval. Like Riverdance in Dublin or even the Alexandrov Ensemble in Moscow. Then again, anything is going to be better than Sobral’s awful effort last year.

La Signora
La Signora
5 years ago

I love Madonna and I respect her, but she has nothing to do with Eurovision. There are plenty of good Israeli artists that can perform, this is not the private show of a spoiled guy

yodenman
yodenman
5 years ago

I’m sorry to have a go because she has had amazing success over many years. However she is a good 15 years past her sell by date. I’ve heard her sing live a few years ago and she was pretty naff. To give her over a million dollars for two songs is nothing short of disgraceful.
Give her the boot as Eurovision doesn’t need her.

Minerva
Minerva
5 years ago
Reply to  yodenman

I have also been to one of her concerts and I agree. She didn’t sound well on stage and the concert was pretty short. For a ticket that cost me £100 I expected a bit more. For once in a lifetime experience it was great, but that’s about it.

sonny
sonny
5 years ago

comment image

no no no
no no no
5 years ago

Jon Ola Sand should step in and say political songs are not accepted in ESC. What Madonna thinks? That is another of her concerts? My blood boils when I see people who don’t know anything about ESC but they think is another reality show. Is like Music Olympics, you can’t sing against Trump at the Olympic Games. This is why Madonna never was in an Olympic Anthem. Nobody trusts she can do something with common sense.

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  no no no

If political songs are not accepted in ESC what do you do with 1944? What do you do with Hatari?

Dawid
Dawid
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

Comparing 1944 to Hatari… I’m disappointed. 1944 was like screaming “Russia sucks!” for 3 minutes. And somehow it won.

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago
Reply to  Dawid

That’s possibly WHY it won

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago

why not bringing many former winners instead? even of the 70s and 80s? they woould love to come..
Madonna doesn’t fit this event… What a mistake to bring her here!

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  Alon I srael

But it has already been reported that Israel WILL shave an interval act involving a number of past ESC stars. Madonna doesn’t replace that it adds to it. Jeez!

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

true… but i meant something bigger with many artists

Dawid
Dawid
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

Adding negative value .-.

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

If they’re shaving an interval act then let’s hope it’s not Conchita

Troy
Troy
5 years ago
Reply to  Fatima

God I hope it IS Conchita. So overrated.

Roelof Meesters
Roelof Meesters
5 years ago

The people want MARUV tho…

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago

The “people” can want what they want Israel is not going to start a diplomatic controversy with Ukraine just so some Euro fans can get their fix of inappropriate dirty dancing on stage courtesy of Maruv.

Valentino
Valentino
5 years ago

Say Na Na NA… to Madonna

Lightning Bryce
Lightning Bryce
5 years ago

I don’t think senior citizens should perform at Eurovision unless they’re actually competing.

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago

What you just spewed is called ageism and it’s disgusting.

Likkie
Likkie
5 years ago

The interval act should be something from Israel. A little propaganda piece from the host country is expected during interval.
The money should be spent with a local arts organisation which would probably make good use of the capital injection.

ESC is about fresh new music. Madonna isn’t NOT fresh…

aroncido
aroncido
5 years ago

I get that they want an international superstar, but why not a European?

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  aroncido

They will have a ton of European stars from past ESC year’s join on stage for one of the interval performances — this has already been revealed. Madonna is not taking the spotlight away from doing that. Why do you keep assuming the two are mutually exclusive? It’s either Madonna or local talent.. it’s either Madonna or European stars.. not it’s that AND that AND that!!

aroncido
aroncido
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

I’m not talking about ESC stars. I’m talking about a superstar on the scale of Madonna. Just a European. I’m pretty sure they couldn’t afford two stars, so if they only have one, they could’ve picked a European for a quintessentially European event. And I love Madonna, more than probably anyone else they would’ve asked. But she feels a bit out of place here.

Dawid
Dawid
5 years ago
Reply to  aroncido

They could’ve asked Celine Dion. She actually won ESC at some point

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  aroncido

A chance that the source proposing Madonna was not the officials but actually Mr. Adams — he was reported only to fund her interval fees but might only be a cover-up to prevent people on commenting how spoiled or manipulative he is.

Jo.
Jo.
5 years ago

“Madonna is expected to perform for about 15 minutes during the Grand Final, as votes are counted”
so almost nothing goes to the Israeli acts.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago
Reply to  Jo.

Well… Too much publicity for Israel will lead to the inevitable accusations. In that regard, the organisers have it tough to please everyone.

John
John
5 years ago

She should just replicate her performance from the Met Gala 2019 (even the staging). Would work with the stage design staircases. 3 songs “Like a Prayer”; “Beautiful Game” (from her new album); and “Hallelujah”. I think this would be received quite well by the European audience. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jVgE45ZYTfw

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  John

She has already said her new song must be performed as she’s using ESC to launch it and her next tour.

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
5 years ago

Either the EBU/KAN has to accept that the ESC can be used as a political platform, or it must not accept Madonna’s proposed setlist. It is a very simple choice, and I wish them luck.

Jingo
Jingo
5 years ago

no one wants to see that American grandma ? just invite Maruv to the grand final.

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  Jingo

I want to see the “grandma” thank you very much.. please don’t speak pretending to know what everyone wants.

reu
reu
5 years ago

I hate how Eurovision is turning into this Western/American/Anglo pop thing, starting with the songs becoming less and less representative of Europe. As someone not from Europe, I took an interest in Eurovision because of the different/exotic/ethnic nature of the contest, and now it just keeps on becoming this mainstream pop franchise with a bunch of generic English-language songs. And now there’s this whole Madonna thing to top it off. Ugh. And less be honest this is more of a political move by Israel than anything else. There are tons of talented Israeli artists. It’s an insult not to pick… Read more »

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  reu

Keep in mind, a lot of popular radio songs from the United States were produced by talent from Europe. We could say that Europe is reaping the rewards boring fruit from what it has sowed on the other side of the Atlantic.

Nicolas
Nicolas
5 years ago
Reply to  reu

Eurovision lost its soul when they allowed countries to sing in non national language.
To balanced things they just should make a new rule that if a country choose to sing a different langage they can,’t use it two years in a row. For example, if Germany sings in english the Y year then the Y+1 year they can’t sing in english.

TheDrMistery
TheDrMistery
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

I’d say that having at least some words in national language should be mandatory, for example right after first chorus. It won’t happen but still.

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  Nicolas

The song contest started with no language rule in place and has been implemented on and off throughout its history.

Minerva
Minerva
5 years ago
Reply to  reu

One year Justin Timberlake performed, remember? Well, it was ok. Now with YouTube anyone can watch the competition so maybe the organisers are trying to include artists from other parts of the world too. But I get what you mean…

Joshua
Joshua
5 years ago

In these months I’ve had the impression that Israeli people are really into creating unnecessary drama and making a big fuss out of small things…

Alon I srael
Alon I srael
5 years ago
Reply to  Joshua

yes… “israeli people”…. all of us , one by one…. even the animals here…

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  Joshua

You’re sure it’s the Israeli people who are like that and not simply the ESC fandom?

Lindon
Lindon
5 years ago

The disputed song criticizes the Trump administration. It is not published yet.

Jake
Jake
5 years ago

Ugh, interval acts should showcase local music (Portugal did this amazingly), not some random star who costs lots of money. I hope at least she attract people to watch Eurovision.

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago
Reply to  Jake

People watch Eurovision because of Eurovision. There is no added value to her performance.

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  Jake

There is an unbelievable amount of Israeli performances scheduled to take place as interval acts over the course of the three shows. Why does having Madonna means you’re not showcasing local artists? You can do both!

Dawid
Dawid
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

She takes 15 minutes. Every contestant will have 3.

Loin dici
5 years ago
Reply to  LawStudent

While it could be fun, she took the whole 15 minutes for a voting interval in the grand final, performing ‘only 2 songs’. And I thought we will have some good Netta performances.

Fatima
Fatima
5 years ago
Reply to  Jake

Portugal did indeed, but it wasn’t amazing

Dani
5 years ago

Unfortunately, I think it would be a shocker if this edition if ESC won’t take place without at least one political controversy.

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago

I am intrigued by the controversy part. But PLEASE, I don’t want anyone ruin ESC with their personal agendas.

LawStudent
LawStudent
5 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

Tell that to Iceland’s Hatari…

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
5 years ago

I’m saying this as an American, but uhhh…why would she be there? She’s not from Israel or even from a country that’s competing? Why wouldn’t they have famous Israeli or European singers perform I…I really don’t understand

I didn’t understand why they had Justin Timberlake a couple years ago either tbh.

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago

If my memory serves me Justin Timberlake was touring in Europe at that time and it was the first year ESC was broadcast in the US.

poe-tay-toe-chips
poe-tay-toe-chips
5 years ago

Oh yeah and the kicker is in 2016, the grand final was shown on US television for the first time. But we weren’t allowed to watch Justin’s performance when he came on. Even though he’s from OUR country.

Guillle77
Guillle77
5 years ago

Wait, really? Wow, I knew the EBU was rough with the US, but not allowing you to watch an American’s performance on the Grand Final…

James
James
5 years ago
Reply to  Guillle77

The name of the channel is Logo, which used to air RuPaul’s Drag Race before it moved to sister channel VH1. Historically, there have been several foreign outlets that have aired the contest over the years but the audience probably wasn’t always there for them to keep airing it annually and dedicate 3-4 hours of airtime nonstop per annum. Only Australia seem to have been the only one that got lucky with its viewers steadily gaining some foothold across 3 decades of airing the show. A cable channel geared towards multicultural audiences in Canada acquired broadcast rights to air the… Read more »

James
James
5 years ago

I think the geo-block was done at the request of his record label so Logo TV was forced to replace his performance with an earlier taped semifinal interval act.

Bobo
Bobo
5 years ago

Actually, she’s been living in the UK for many years and she spends a lot of time in Portugal too

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago
Reply to  Bobo

So? It doesn’t make her European. The whole thing about the US is that discontent people from Britain, to put it in the simplest, lamest terms, sought freedom in the land of other people, took that land from other people, and became a country. Then in Europe, peoples fought against each other, borders changed, there were two world wars, wounds are still not completely healed, there are ongoing conflicts and a war. ESC came about to bring peoples and countries together. She can claim she’s of Italian descent if she wants too. And still, she doesn’t belong to ESC.

dutchie
dutchie
5 years ago

She’s such an activist… and for a mere 1.5 million dollars she’ll come and preach at your party too.

Whisker
Whisker
5 years ago
Reply to  dutchie

Not that I agree with her performance in Eurovision, I would be impressed if she did it for one symbolic shekel.

Adam
Adam
5 years ago

“Do you think that this is a real crisis? ”

No.

Jugio
Jugio
5 years ago

Let the Queen do it her way <3