She’s the Queen of Pop slated to perform at the Grand Final of Eurovision 2019 as an interval act.

But now, Madonna‘s performance at Eurovision 2019 may be in jeopardy.

That’s because Eurovision executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand says the EBU has yet to confirm Madonna as an interval act.

Though the Media Handbook, a booklet with all the information necessary for journalist and commentators, states that Madonna will appear at the Grand Final, this seems to be a question, rather than a statement.

Last night during a press conference, one journalist asked whether it was true that the EBU has not confirmed Madonna. Jon Ola Sand answered:

“It is true that we, the EBU or KAN, has never confirmed Madonna as an act for the Eurovision Song Contest. For the simple reason that we do not have a signed contract with her team. And if we do not have a signed contract, she cannot perform on that stage. It’s very simple.”

The organisation is busy securing Madonna as an act however and Jon Ola Sand added that they are in discussions with Madonna’s team:

“So we are negotiating now, in the final stage of that, but if there is no signed contract this week, she will not be on the stage. That’s very easy.

“So, we are in a situation now that is a bit strange. We have an artist who would like to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest. We would love to welcome her on that stage. But for that we have to have the framework security.”

Meanwhile, Israeli media outlet Srugim.co.il reports that Madonna is said to arrive on Wednesday in Tel-Aviv.

Besides special requests regarding safety, her team seems to have had other demands, especially regarding the technical material that still has to be sorted out.

Read all our Eurovision 2019 news here

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CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago

Hold your resolve, Jon Ola! THE SHOW MUST GO ON! You know that as well as everyone else. If she can’t make it to the stage before the show is over, too bad!

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago

You’re absolutely right about that. It will be as if it never happened.

CyxCy
CyxCy
4 years ago

If she doesn’t come … They’re just going to be embarrassed by the millions of people who watch the show around the world, it’s not nothing. They may have been too ambitious. there are many artists who are as famous as Madonna but who would probably have been more reliable to get. Next time they should bet on someone who has stayed cool, who doesn’t annoy anyone and who still keeps his commitments, like Sting.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  CyxCy

Sting would be a huge improvement! He is a SONGWRITER, a prolific songwriter! That’s what this contest is all about, yes? 🙂

Tobias
Tobias
4 years ago

No one will be going bananas over this ridicilous comment either

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago

Eurovision God Jon Ola Sand confirms there was no contract as of last night. I believe him. I don’t know how these entertainment contracts work, yet it is mindboggling to me that the signing of a contract for an undertaking like this one, a live show full of technical sophistication and precision, is pending the very week of the broadcast. #themindboggles, #help

Vogzal Odessa
Vogzal Odessa
4 years ago

For those of you who fancy a good laugh therapy after a hard day at work/school, see her film “Swept Away” (and thank me later) 😀

Purple Mask
Purple Mask
4 years ago

No contract, no drama. Big cost saving. Yey for more time for everyone else. Only downside is for Madonna fans, obviously, who might be able to claim their money back on tickets – it depends whether or not the announcement was ever official.

Sad
Sad
4 years ago

Israeli media should talk about Kobi Marimi, not about Madonna. The very presence of Madonna is the biggest problem, among all problems this year. This is not the way ESC became so famous in these 64 years.

TTT
TTT
4 years ago

HELP So basically I`m gonna be stuck at work until 23:00 tonight. Can I watch the semi final back on YouTube after the live stream ends or anywhere else?

Frisian esc
4 years ago
Reply to  TTT

Yes you can watch the full livestream back on youtube or at eurovision.tv but watch out for spoilers. Or you go to the website of your local broadcaster. Usually you can watch it back there.

Vogzal Odessa
Vogzal Odessa
4 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

So it’s basically all the same as back in 2018?

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Vogzal Odessa

The qualifiers’ press conference is at 23:30 CET, I don’t know if the livestream recording will be available on the ESC YT channel before that. But it should be there. As Frisian said, do watch out for spoilers.

Eyal
Eyal
4 years ago

She’s landing in TLV tonight.

Kim
Kim
4 years ago

I said previously that something will stuff up the Madonna appearance. Not only does she have a habit of keeping people waiting for hours during her concerts which she did in Australia for no particular reason other than she couldn’t be arsed to get on stage on time and when she finally did played 6 songs and walked off( which she did in Australia) For the price of the ticket people felt ripped off . But to do 2 songs for a fee and a contract ( that hasn’t been signed) ? She won’t do this last minute – please… Read more »

Rudolph
Rudolph
4 years ago
Reply to  Kim

Money are not a problem because a sponsor wants to pay, the question is why there are no papers for all this?

Paul
Paul
4 years ago

I swear to god I’ve just seen her team in the arrivals at the airport in Tel Aviv….

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Paul

How do you know that?

Minerva
Minerva
4 years ago

I really don’t like the announcement of whether Madonna is going to perform or not before the semi-final starts. The attention should be on the competition itself and the artists. Not on a big star. I wonder if it’s done on purpose. How is it possible that a big name like Madonna is traveling without a contract? I consider her very hard working and professional.

Einar
Einar
4 years ago
Reply to  Minerva

It were journalists who addressed the issue, not the ebu. And im sure madonna is still capable enough to recall if she signed a contract or not.

Diana
Diana
4 years ago

This years organization has been an absolute mess, it’s finally gets to end on Saturday

Diana
Diana
4 years ago
Reply to  Diana

Although I’ll miss the contest, I won’t miss this chaos of an organization

Efraim
Efraim
4 years ago

*pretends to be shocked*

Ioa Ioa
Ioa Ioa
4 years ago

Does drama ever ends in this contest?

Melissa J
Melissa J
4 years ago

I don’t watch Eurovision to see American artists, I live in America! I want to see European acts!

James
James
4 years ago
Reply to  Melissa J

Katrina and the Waves, Andras Kallay-Saunders…and a few more from what I recall.

Jon
Jon
4 years ago

Sorry, but who cares about Madonna? Frankly enough, I prefer several artists in this year’s ESC than Madonna. For me I’d rather watch Tamta, Michela, Duncan, Miki and Kate, amongst others.

Tobias
Tobias
4 years ago
Reply to  Jon

A lot of people care about Madonna. That’s why they asked her. And how much I liked some of the acts you summed up, please don’t compare them with an icon like Madonna …

far and away
far and away
4 years ago
Reply to  Tobias

I’d rather listen “Sister” on repeat.

Loin dici
4 years ago

In the end, if there are some minutes available, they can squeeze in something like more Nadav Guedj, “Bassa Sababa”, or Harel Skaat. Or just a random Ketreyah doing a song.

La Signora
La Signora
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

*Random Ketreyah rises from the floor*

La Signora
La Signora
4 years ago
Reply to  La Signora

A Ketreyah is a mysterious creature that I would like to see as interval act this year

Frisian esc
4 years ago
Reply to  Loin dici

*random ketreyah ascends down from the ceiling riding a massive star of david*

Rudolph
Rudolph
4 years ago

The fact that she travels to Tel Aviv with her team, without a contract…is something very shady. Contracts like that are signed months before, first of all to protect the artist. What is the real agreement with that sponsor? Money laundry? No taxes?

Matt
Matt
4 years ago

Maybe for the best if she does not appear. Would rather see additional performances from Netta, Conchita, Mans , or Eleni

Elsa
Elsa
4 years ago
Reply to  Matt

Eleni for sure!

Tobias
Tobias
4 years ago
Reply to  Matt

Hahaha, you gotta be kidding me … HAHAHA

Skiwalko
Skiwalko
4 years ago

Ma-Madonna, here we go again.
To be fair, whatever. If she shows up, fine, if she doesn’t, then at least I hope she’s gonna enjoy her trip to Tel Aviv.

cmh787
cmh787
4 years ago

Jon ola sand gives us good news for once

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago
Reply to  cmh787

Aye! Watch the guy paying Madonna $1 million to appear get on his knees to beg Jon Ola to delay the final for a day to have more time to work out a deal for her appearance…

…Sorry, pal! It don’t work that way! THE SHOW MUST GO ON! With or without her!

Replace her with MARUV!

Amanda McGoulash
Amanda McGoulash
4 years ago

Good riddance if she doesn’t turn up, quite frankly.

CookyMonzta
CookyMonzta
4 years ago

Aye! When you sign a contract to appear on a show like this, you’d better make your requests known BEFORE you sign! You’re on THEIR turf; therefore, everything will be on THEIR terms! And no, they will NOT delay the show for one guest performer, even if it’s Madonna! The show WILL go on as scheduled!

They got Onuka when Lady Gaga couldn’t make it when they had this problem before. Maybe they can get Maruv when they cancel Madonna! No big loss for us! It’ll be as if it never happened.

Esc1234
Esc1234
4 years ago

A kangaroo will be a more effective supervisor than Jon Ola Sand

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Esc1234

NO.

Denis
Denis
4 years ago

KAN and the organisation couldnt deliver the requierements of some delegations, basic requierements to that!
Why would they be able to meet Madonna and her even bigger requirements?

KYLLITO
KYLLITO
4 years ago

Come on people, don’t blame Madonna or her huge ego etc. EBU/KAN is beyond stupid for announcing her before there was a contract signed. Very unprofessional.

Annie
Annie
4 years ago

If the organization wasn´t capable of delivering the basic requirements of certain delegations, imagine with Madonna…Everything this year is a HUGE mess from A to Z.

melody
melody
4 years ago
Reply to  Annie

what were they?

Annie
Annie
4 years ago
Reply to  melody

The right staging ( correct tv angles, correct lighting, correct LCD features, even a basic thing like the right soundtrack on the microphone/earphone previously chosen by the artist wasn´t there…) just to name a few. When you have a limited time to test everything and you have none of what was asked ( 2nd rehearsal !), I guess it can be very frustrating.

Jon
Jon
4 years ago
Reply to  Annie

i second you. Some delegations had to have a third rehearsal and some countries, firstly Malta, had to shift to a plan B during their second rehearsal (which was technically their first then) as the technical issues were not resolved in time.

Minerva
Minerva
4 years ago
Reply to  Annie

I believe this kind of difficulties happen all the time. Every year I’m reading about these if a country has not hosted Eurovision before. All participants have plan B and C if necessary. Otherwise, it’s best if they bring their own crew and equipment if possible.

Belle
Belle
4 years ago

I don’t want her in ESC. Let the participants shine instead. ESC is for them.

Brexit Queen Young and Sweet Only 17
Brexit Queen Young and Sweet Only 17
4 years ago

dancing queen, young and sweet only 60

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago

Age shaming is NOT OK.

far and away
far and away
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

Nobody would shame ABBA, that are over 70. Madonna is shaming herself for being pathetic.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  far and away

Even so, age shaming is not ok.

far and away
far and away
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

Yet it is. People are telling her that her 60 old b u t t needs to retire, or to be covered.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  far and away

Age shaming is NEVER OK. If people don’t like her behind, they don’t have to look. I am not of a fan of the choices she makes to stay relevant, but she can do whatever she wants. She’s had an unparallel level of success, as un-orthodox as she was, but that’s what made her an icon. And despite or because of her birth name when compared to the symbolism of the mother of JC.

far and away
far and away
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

Yes it is.

Frisian esc
4 years ago

Her management team probably thinks they can get away with anything at this point and puts in way too many diva conditions in the contract. For example she would perform one of her new songs + like a prayer on the eurovision stage, but in the end she refused that and demanded to sing two of her new songs instead. I say let her team fly to tel aviv for nothing and don’t sign the contract in the end.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Frisian esc

#OURSHOWFORTHEWIN

Fatima
Fatima
4 years ago

Give than all the other acts for Saturday will have rehearsed and performed multiple times already, it doesn’t seem to be a good idea to let her do her thing with minimal notice. Also, there must be some other act who won’t know whether they are performing or not, depending on the negations with Madonna and co. Not fair on them.
Bottom line: We like Madonna, but please don’t mess with the Eurovision Song Contest

soso
soso
4 years ago

Again that picture with the arms.
“No signed contract” means she didn’t wanted to pay taxes????

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  soso

She must have exquisite finance/tax counselling/people. Ultra rich people always do.

Deven O’Kearney
Deven O’Kearney
4 years ago

Wasn’t Lady Gaga supposed to perform at Eurovision two years ago, but this never happened (probably for the same reason as Madonna) and the Ukrainian broadcaster had to draft in ONUKA?

mad-professor
mad-professor
4 years ago

She wanted to – and was going to do it for free – but the Ukrainian broadcaster couldn’t afford the cost of her rider. In the end, they replaced her with Ruslana’s new song.

Tobias
Tobias
4 years ago
Reply to  mad-professor

Who cares about Lady Gaga?? Ruslana did a better job anyway.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  Tobias

I care about Lady Gaga but still, I want to see local talent instead. Eurovision is Eurovision.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  mad-professor

What’s a “rider” pretty please?

mad-professor
mad-professor
4 years ago
Reply to  Whisker

A rider is the requests artists make for things to help bring a performance together. This could be things like props, lighting, effects, etc., or basic hospitality stuff like having certain food available backstage.

Whisker
Whisker
4 years ago
Reply to  mad-professor

Thanks!

Andy
Andy
4 years ago

Apparently, she will have her own lights and camera director. Well, she probably isn’t a fan of wide angles then hehe.
Anyway, I am more interested into the Eleni, Mans etc. performance as this is something we would only see in ESC unlike Madonna where we have/had many chances to see her performing (on telly or live that is).