Madonna took the stage at 2019 Eurovision Song Contest, which took place in Tel Aviv, Israel on Saturday. The Queen of Pop marked the 30th anniversary of her 1989 album, Like A Prayer, by performing its title track. She also previewed her new album, Madame X, by teaming up with Migos’ Quavo for “Future”. Replay both performances below.
Madonna’s Eurovision appearance was not without controversy. Worsening conditions in Palestine have led a number of prominent artists to launch the BDS (Boycott, Divestment and Sanctions) movement in protest of Israel’s oppressive policies toward Palestine. However, Madonna resisted calls to cancel her performance, saying in a statement: “I’ll 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.”
She further acknowledged the controversy during her performance. “Let’s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together,” Madonna said at one point. Two of her backing dancers also briefly appeared wearing the Israeli and Palestinian flags.
(Buy: Tickets to Madonna’s Madame X Tour)
Tremble Khaleesi 🔥 @Madonna et @QuavoStuntin viennent prendre le Trône de Fer on dirait…#Eurovision #GameOfThrones
👉 La suite de leur performance sur https://t.co/hbLxAmmRIW : https://t.co/qGf5qWqlsM pic.twitter.com/u2kMSQXF5M
— Eurovision France 🇫🇷 (@EurovisionF2) May 18, 2019
Madonna presenta "FUTURE" en compañía de Quavo #EUROVISION #madonna pic.twitter.com/aoJFcjJ4dv
— Sisters and the City (@SistersCity) May 18, 2019
"Let's never underestimate the power of music to bring people together" – @Madonna, at the Grand Final of the Eurovision Song Contest 2019.#DareToDream #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/18RF5r0Kq3
— Eurovision (@Eurovision) May 18, 2019
Quavo being interviewed on #Eurovison ahead of his performance with Madonna. pic.twitter.com/csfPlBQhv0
— Swype Kulture ™ (@SwypeKulture) May 18, 2019