‘Never Underestimate The Power Of Music’, Says Madonna At Eurovision In Tel Aviv; Watch Her Performance
Madonna took the stage at the Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv on Saturday night. The appearance comes ahead of the release of her forthcoming album “Madame X,” due out on June 14.
Following performances from Israeli singer-songwriter Idan Raichel and 2018 Eurovision winner Netta Barzilai, who sang her latest single “Nana Banana,” Madonna opened her set with “Like a Prayer.” Accompanying Madonna on the controversial and provocative 1989 smash was a back-up choir-cum-dancers dressed in traditional monk attire.
It followed with a highly choreographed version of “Champagne Rose,” a track by Quavo of Migos, who was also in attendance (earlier, he spoke of his trip to Jerusalem as “really special”). The two held hands as the song came to a close, and behind them were projected the words “Wake Up.”
Asked by the show’s host if she wanted to use the global platform to send a message, Madonna did just that. “Look at all the delegates — everybody is here from all over the world,” she said. “And the thing that brings all of these people together is music. So let’s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together.”
Madonna’s participation in the beloved international competition was not without controversy.
There were vocal objections by pro-Palestinian activists for performers and international broadcasters to boycott the show due to Israel being the host nation. Madonna addressed the controversy by saying she would “never stop playing music to suit someone’s political agenda, nor will I stop speaking out against violations of human rights wherever in the world they may be.”
“My heart breaks every time I hear about the innocent lives that are lost in this region and the violence that is so often perpetuated to suit the political goals of people who benefit from this ancient conflict,” the singer said. “I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace.”
