Eurovision 2019: Madonna performance in doubt after organisers claim she has not signed contract

The European Broadcasting Union has never confirmed Madonna as an act

Madonna’s performance at this year’s Eurovision Song Contest is in doubt after organisers claimed she has not yet signed a contract for the show.

“The European Broadcasting Union has never confirmed Madonna as an act,” Jon Ola San, Eurovision’s executive supervisor, said. “If we do not have a signed contract she cannot perform on our stage.”

The semi-finals take place on 14 and 15 May in Tel Aviv, Israel. The final is on 18 May.

Madonna's appearance was announced by her publicists last month, when it was said she would play two songs during the interview – one from her forthcoming album Madame X, and another from her back catalogue.

Madonna will arrive in Tel Aviv to start rehearsals on Wednesday. It is not clear how Eurovision would fill the half-time show if her performance is cancelled last-minute.

The “Like a Prayer” star recently spoke out over the controversy surrounding her performance, as anti-Israel campaigners urge her to boycott the competition in support of Palestine.

“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,” Madonna told Reuters.

“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.”

She added: “I hope and pray that we will soon break free from this terrible cycle of destruction and create a new path towards peace.”

However Sand, who has produced the contest for almost a decade, said negotiations for the performance were still underway.

“We are in a situation now that is a bit strange,” he said. “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.”

The Independent has contacted Madonna's representatives for comment.