[Pete.]

Originally Posted by Daily Mail

It is precisely the sort of headline-grabbing coup that The X Factor needs to boost its flagging ratings.

Simon Cowell has persuaded Madonna to perform in the live final of the ITV talent show – but there are strings attached.

One source said: ‘Madonna will have been provisionally booked because the final can be subject to change if an artist doesn’t approve of the finalists – especially if they have agreed to sing with them.

‘Someone like Madonna will want a lot of creative control over her appearance, but for Simon the ratings will be worth it.’

But the source added that there were also conditions Madonna must agree to.

‘She has been told that her label will be expected to pay for any stage props and backing dancers she brings with her,’ the insider said.

The 56-year-old pop queen’s appearance on December 13 will hark back to the show’s heyday when it could attract superstars of the calibre of Sir Paul McCartney, Sir Elton John and Beyoncé Knowles.

And Madonna’s appearance could also boost sales of her as-yet untitled 13th studio album, due for release just after the live final.

Another source close to the show told The Mail on Sunday: ‘It had been rumoured that Irish rockers U2 were being lined up to take part. But that has not happened and the confusion may have come because they share the same manager, Guy Oseary.’

An ITV source said last night: ‘We do always look for the best artists for the final. Madonna’s name will have been on a list at some point, yes. But nothing will be made certain until just before the live final.’

http://www.dailymail.co.uk/tvshowbiz...s-line-up.html

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