Madonna‘s closing performance at Eurovision 2019 came with a political statement regarding Israel and Palestine. The performance consisted of hits such as “Like a Prayer,” as well as newer works like her track “Future” which was produced by Diplo and features Quavo.
During “Future” at the performance, two dancers walk upstage holding hands, each wearing a flag — one for Israel, the other for Palestine — on the back of their costumes. The call for unity that this performance would seem to suggest is further emphasized by Madonna whispering the phrase “wake up” to the audience. “Wake Up” also appeared behind the performers on a large screen.
In an interview that occurred before the performance, Madonna commented on the unifying power of music.
“Everybody here is from all over the world, right? So many countries that I have been privileged enough to visit and experience, and the one thing that brings me to those countries, and the thing that brings all of these people here tonight, is music. So let’s never underestimate the power of music to bring people together.”
Watch the clip below:
Eurovision 2019 marks the 64th annual iteration of the song contest which took place in Tel Aviv on Saturday, May 18.
