Excitement has fast been mounting for the 2019 Eurovision Song Contest in Tel Aviv on May 14-18, and now it’s at fever pitch with the announcement that pop diva Madonna will perform two songs during the Grand Final show on May 18.
Madonna last appeared in Israel to kick off her 2012 world tour. This time she is expected to debut a song from her 14th studio album, coming out this summer.
The 60-year-old American star, who currently lives in Portugal, will arrive in Israel with an entourage of 65 support staff and backup dancers. Israeli-Canadian philanthropist Sylvan Adams is picking up the $1.35 million tab “to try to add some glitz to the event.”
“I’m excited and proud to host Madonna in Israel and to bring her to the Eurovision which will be held in Tel Aviv,” Adams said. “I believe that the performance of Madonna at the Eurovision – accompanied by dozens of professional backup dancers – will make a significant contribution to the success of the event and to the strengthening of Israel’s positive branding in the world.”
Yityish Aynaw, the Ethiopian-born model crowned Miss Israel 2013, will be the presenter for a pre-Eurovision TV show in which she will greet and interview each of the 40 contestants arriving from Europe to compete against Israeli contestant Kobi Marimi.
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