It wouldn’t be the Eurovision Song Contest without a dollop of controversy, and that’s exactly what one of Madonna’s song choices have created even before the event has begun. The global superstar has agreed a deal with Canadian-Israeli billionaire Sylvan Adams to perform at this year’s event, which will see Madge perform some new hits ahead of her expected new album launch.
Recent reports suggest her involvement in the 64th edition of the singing contest have been cast in fresh doubt, after production officials fear that one of her songs in particular could fuel an outcry owing to its lyrics on US politics. According to the Jerusalem Post, that is expected to be the case, but some sources located within Eurovision believe she should be allowed to perform and express her point of view. So far, it seems that there is a divided opinion.
Why is Madonna performing in Tel Aviv?
Adams is thought to have agreed a deal worth in the region of £1.5 million to get Madonna to sing in Tel Aviv, and there’s plenty of potential benefits for all involved. From the singer’s perspective, it gives her the perfect setting to perform her new material and despite her threatening to pull out of the contest, expectant fans will be keen to see her showcase her new material.
Adams forked out a small fortune to obtain the services of Madonna which would in turn, help reignite interest in the contest as a whole whilst boosting Madonna’s profile throughout the country. This is what Adams said about the potential inclusion of the Like A Virgin star: [The Eurovision is] “a tremendous way to boost tourism. And I think the more people we bring here, the more people see our true nature, and the true beauty of our country and our people, and the freedom and openness and tolerance and safety of our country.”
Other Eurovision controversies
Madonna’s stand-off with this year’s producers have only further highlighted the controversies that the contest so often entails. In years gone by, there have been very debatable songs broadcast across the continent, but perhaps the standout song was Georgia’s entry from 2009. Stephane and 3G – who were performing in Moscow – opted for the title of ‘We Don’t Wanna Put In’.
Clearly, the lyrics were directed towards Russian President Vladimir Putin with political tensions running high between the two nations. Unsurprisingly, the European Broadcasting Union strongly suggested that Stephane and 3G change the lyrics but the pair denied that there was anything wrong with the song, and it wasn’t politically motivated.
Looking back at Finland’s entry in 2013, the Scandinavian country caused a stir when Krista’s famous on-stage lesbian kiss with a back-up dancer became the major talking point. It was in retaliation to the country’s ban on same-sex marriage, and although the song lyrics weren’t in question, it caused a stir in the country. It’s the kind of controversy Madonna is more than capable of creating, just ask Britney Spears. But whatever does happen between now and the start of this year’s competition, be sure to check out all the latest markets via Betfair Eurovision 2019.
