Madonna’s upcoming performance at Saturday’s Eurovision Song Contest has been cast into doubt, as organisers claim she is yet to sign her contract.
Last month, it was reported the singer would be taking to the stage during the show in Tel Aviv in Israel to perform two songs.
However, Eurovision’s executive supervisor Jon Ola Sand has now told the BBC: “The European Broadcasting Union has never confirmed Madonna as an act.
“If we do not have a signed contract she cannot perform on our stage.”
He continued: “We are in a situation now that is a bit strange.
“We have an artist who would like to participate in the Eurovision Song Contest, and who we would love to welcome on that stage. But for that we need to have the framework secured.
“We are negotiating now, in the final stage of that – but if there is no signed contract this week, she will not be on the stage.”
Madonna’s planned appearance previously prompted criticism from some, in light of the political situation in Israel.
It came after stars including Pink Floyd’s Roger Waters, Brian Eno and filmmakers Ken Loach and Mike Leigh, had called for a boycott of the event, backing an appeal from Palestinian artists.
In a letter published in the Guardian, they 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.”
However, reacting to the controversy, Madonna told Reuters: “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.
“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.
“I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace,” she added.
Tel Aviv was selected as the host city for the contest 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 was said to be costing around £765,000, with billionaire businessman Sylvan Adams reported to be footing the bill.
