Madonna has divided Eurovision fans with news she is reportedly set to perform at this year’s Song Contest in Tel Aviv.
According to Israel news outlet Haaretz, the Eurovision Broadcasting Union has confirmed the pop icon will take to the stage to with two songs during the live final of the annual competition.
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Madonna is said to be performing at
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However, Madonna’s planned appearance has prompted criticism from some, in light of the political situation in Israel.
Many stars including Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Brian Eno and filmmakers Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, previously called for a boycott of the event, in a letter published in the Guardian backing an appeal from Palestinian artists.
It said: “We, the undersigned artists from Europe and beyond, support the heartfelt appeal from Palestinian artists to boycott the Eurovision Song Contest 2019 hosted by Israel.
“Until Palestinians can enjoy freedom, justice and equal rights, there should be no business-as-usual with the state that is denying them their basic rights.”
Other signatories included novelist Yann Martel, actress Julie Christie, writer and director Peter Kosminsky and British band Wolf Alice.
However, many welcomed Madonna’s appearance at this year’s Eurovision, which will reportedly see her perform a classic track and a new single.
Tel Aviv was selected as the host city for the content after Israeli act Netta won last year’s Eurovision with her song Toy.
It was reported that Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu had initially planned to hold the event in Jerusalem, but the location changed amid tensions with Palestine.
Madonna has performed in Israel three times previously, the most recent time being in 2012.
Her performance at Eurovision is reportedly set to cost around £765,000, which is set be covered by billionaire businessman Sylvan Adams.
The UK will be represented by singer Michael Rice and his song Bigger Than Us at this year’s contest, which takes place on May 18.
12 Acts To Send To Eurovision
Little Mix(01 of12)
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Currently churning out banger after banger in the run-up to the release of their third album, Little Mix would be perfect representatives for the UK. They're fun, they're energetic, they're young... and even Electro Velvet themselves couldn't mess up a chorus as monster as 'Black Magic', 'DNA' or 'Salute'. (credit:Christie Goodwin via Getty Images)
Seann Miley Moore(02 of12)
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If we know 'X Factor' (and after 11 years we're pretty sure we do), then all the attention that Seann Miley Moore has been getting at Bootcamp and the auditions means we can probably assume he's a shoo-in for for live shows this year.His experimental dress sense and thundering voice would undeniably go down a storm with Eurovision viewers, who crowned Conchita Wurst winner just over a year ago. (credit:Syco/Dymond/Thames/Corbis)
Lauren Goodger(03 of12)
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The Goodge has been teasing the launch of her music career for as far back as remember, and frankly we're growing impatient.Eurovision would be the perfect way to give the public the chance to hear her voice, as well as an opportunity for the UK to show the rest of Europe our favourite national treasure... Lauren Goodger. (credit:Doug Peters/Doug Peters)
Geri Halliwell(04 of12)
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Geri's ill-fated 2004 track 'Ride It' sounded so Eurovision we half-expected to hear Terry Wogan muttering inanely through the second chorus, so we know she has it in her to deliver for a Eurovish audience.More importantly, she's been teasing lately that she's recording new music - and Eurovision would give her the perfect platform to showcase it (and leave that 'Half Of Me' debacle far, far in the past...) (credit:Rex Shutterstock)
Steps(05 of12)
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Since the surprisingly glossy Steps reunion tour, the five-piece group have gone all quiet, with Claire Richards appearing on 'Celebrity Big Brother' and Lisa Scott-Lee touring the nation in 'Celebrities On Ice'.As much fun as all that sounds, we do think it's time for Steps to reclaim their throne as the nation's favourite guilty pleasure act, and what better way for it than with Eurovision? (credit:Ken McKay/Rex Shutterstock)
La Roux(06 of12)
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Alternatively, if voters are looking for something a bit more credible, look no further than La Roux. Her last album, 'Trouble In Paradise' boasted some of the most sophisticated Europop-inspired choruses we've heard in a long while, but still managed to keep a catchy, disco-inspired feel.In other words: she'd be Eurovision gold. (credit:Tabatha Fireman via Getty Images)
Aston Merrygold(07 of12)
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Something a bit different, perhaps, but Aston's debut single 'Get Stupid', while not exactly setting the charts on fire, did represent quite well exactly what's going on in the UK music scene in the moment. (credit:Rex Shutterstock/Rob Cable)
Tulisa(08 of12)
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If ever there was a tale of a phoenix rising from the ashes (and then rising again, and then again) it's our girl Tulisa.Her most recent musical offering, 'Living Without You', didn't exactly sound like it cost millions of pounds to create, but that's half the joy of Eurovision, and if that's a sound she wants to explore, she could have Eurovish in the bag. Plus, as anyone who's seen her perform in the past year will attest, she's the stuff Eurovision dreams are made of. Topless men, wafting around a load of women, that fabulous pout. Amazing. (credit:Jo Hale via Getty Images)
Zayn Malik(09 of12)
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THINK OF THE VOTES FROM TEENAGE GIRLS. THINK OF THEM! (credit:Jason LaVeris via Getty Images)
Michelle might seem like a bit of an odd choice, given that she's best known to most Brits as Katie Hopkins' American mate on 'Celebrity Big Brother', but there's so much more to this diva than just that.She's actually had a rollercoaster music career, appearing on 'The Bodyguard' soundtrack as well as in the 80s girl-group, Seduction. Michelle has never actually released any solo material, but given her huge UK fanbase we think the nation could easily take her to our collective bosom.Plus, those votes from international 'RuPaul's Drag Race' fans would speak for themselves. (credit:David Fisher/Rex Shutterstock)
Katie Price(12 of12)
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But then again, we could always just go with an old favourite? Katie Price sadly never got to represent the UK at Eurovision (we blame this catsuit), eventually losing out to Javine Hylton.Katie reckons performing on 'Making Your Mind Up' is the only thing she regrets from her whole career - so surely it's time she was given her redemption? (credit:YUI MOK/PA Archive)