Pop icon Madonna is to perform at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest.
While her presence will no doubt divert a global spotlight to the event, being held next month in Tel Aviv, Israel, it may be the first time that the 60-year-old superstar has been billed as an “interval act”.
A total of 41 countries are competing for Eurovision glory this year.
Madonna’s performance will be scheduled for the interval during the grand final at the Expo Tel Aviv stadium on May 18.
While a formal announcement has not yet been made by Eurovision’s organising body, the European Broadcasting Union, the Israeli public broadcaster KAN has confirmed the deal.
Live Nation, the music touring company with which Madonna has a representation agreement, and the star’s Los Angeles-based publicist have also confirmed the superstar is Eurovision-bound.
The pop legend will perform two songs at the final; one will be from her classic repertoire and the other will be from her upcoming album.
According to media reports, the deal has been under negotiation for some time.
However, it was clinched when Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams agreed to cover the US$1 million performance fee required to secure her services.
Australia is participating for the fifth time, represented by singer-songwriter Kate Miller-Heidke, who will perform the song Zero Gravity.
Read the article in the Brisbane Times.