The costs of bringing the international superstar to Israel will be covered by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams.
By AMY SPIROMadonna performs during her Rebel Heart Tour concert at Studio City in Macau, China February 20, 2016(photo credit: BOBBY YIP/ REUTERS)
Madonna will perform live at the Eurovision grand finale in Tel Aviv on May 18.Israel’s public broadcaster KAN, and concert organizers Live Nation both confirmed on Monday the original report by Yediot Aharonot.The cost of bringing the international superstar - which stands at $1.3 million - to Israel will be covered by Israeli-Canadian billionaire Sylvan Adams."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 in a statement Monday evening. "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."Live Nation said Monday that the singer will perform two songs at the Eurovision, including one from her upcoming album. The organizers said she will arrive in Tel Aviv with a 65-person staff, which includes dozens of backup dancers.Adams, Live Nation said, “saw the importance of bringing the iconic singer to Tel Aviv and creating a memorable, historic performance.”Last month, Adams – who brought the Giro D’Italia to Israel last year – said he sees himself as an unofficial ambassador of Israel in the entertainment world.“It’s a tremendous way to boost tourism,” he said at the INTV conference in Jerusalem. “And I think the more people we bring here, the more people see our true nature, and the true beauty of our country and our people, and the freedom and openness and tolerance and safety of our country.”The appearance of Madonna at the Eurovision has been rumored for months, and negotiations were reportedly ongoing for quite some time. Much of the discussion came down to money, as KAN has had several public budgeting battles with the government, which has been reluctant to contribute to the event outside of KAN's existing budget.Madonna last performed in the Jewish state in 2012, when she kicked off her world tour in Tel Aviv.
