(CNN) Iceland's hair-raising heavy metal Eurovision act Hatari raised Palestinian flags during their appearance on the show, which had been steeped in controversy over its host country of Israel.

The band's on-stage performance had been hotly anticipated, and their aggressive showing predictably disrupted the otherwise kitsch edition of the singing competition.

But the political elements of this year's show hovered over proceedings, and the group's members nodded to the controversy by holding up Palestinian flags as results were announced.

Absolute scenes as Iceland unveil Palestine banners to actual, audible gasps #Eurovision pic.twitter.com/f5ObNt653l — Jon Brady (@jonbradyphoto) May 18, 2019

Madonna's performance during the show also featured the Palestinian flag on the back of one dancer's attire, alongside the Israeli flag on the back of another dancer as the two walked off stage arm-in-arm.

"Let's never underestimate the power of music to bring people together," the pop legend said before taking to the stage.

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