The 2022 World Cup kicks off on Sunday but a question arises: will there be music stars in Doha? Dua Lipa, Rod Stewart, Shakira… Several celebrities refused to take part in the opening ceremony, at 4:20 p.m. French time on November 20, due to non-respect of human rights.
For Rod Stewart, it’s a not final. In the columns of the newspaper The Timesrock legend Rod Stewart said on Tuesday he was asked by the small but very wealthy Gulf emirate to perform at the opening ceremony.
“I was offered a lot of moneymore than a million dollars, to play there fifteen months ago. I refused. It’s not good to go there, “said the 77-year-old British singer. The reason? “Respect for human rights in general” including that of the LGBTQ + community, he whose texts have often been engaged.
Dua Lipa and Shakira decline the invitation
The name of Dua Lipa was also mentioned to sing during the opening ceremony but the 27-year-old English pop star put an end to the rumors on her Instagram account, where she is followed by more than 87 million people.
“I will not perform and was not involved in negotiations to perform in Qatar,” wrote the interpreter of Levitating, while specifying that it will support England. “I look forward to going to Qatar when it has fulfilled all the human rights commitments it has made,” she continued.
Shakira hadn’t confirmed her attendance either, but rumors were rife. It must be said that the Colombian star, separated from the Catalan footballer (just retired) Gerard Pique is a regular at the World Cups.
The one who had signed with the South African group Freshlyground the official music of the South African edition of 2010 with Waka Waka (This Time for Africa)then performed four years later in Brazil with the hit La La La will not go to Qatar. This is what the singer’s entourage told the Spanish channel Telecinco and then the Spanish-speaking press agency EFE, without giving further details.
Other stars remain uncertain
The American rapper Lil Baby, with more than 32 million monthly listeners on Spotify, who collaborated with the members of the British group Tears for Fears on one of the soundtracks of the Mondial, The World Is Yours To Takeremains silent on his presence or not in Doha.
The 27-year-old Atlanta native had indicated on his social networks at the end of September that he intended to travel to Doha to host the opening ceremony. Will he give up? The question is asked.
Among those who have not denied or canceled their presence, is the Canadian actress and dancer Nora Fatehi. The name of Robbie Williams, who participated in the opening ceremony of the 2018 World Cup in Moscow, is also circulating. Just like that of Jungkook from the K-pop group BTS.
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