The rumor mill is in overdrive as speculation continues over who will be announced on Monday to fill the final remaining slot as this year's Abu Dhabi F1 Grand Prix after-race concert series.
Various artists, including Pink and Lady Gaga, and bands including One Direction, U2 and the Rolling Stones have all been linked with the Friday, November 1 slot.
However, 7DAYS understands rap superstar Jay Z will be the star attraction named.
An F1 industry source told 7DAYS: “Jay Z’s one of the biggest artists on the planet – and importantly appeals to the mainstream music tastes of F1 fans.
“He’s not just a rapper, he’s a superstar musician.”
An official announcement by gig organisers FLASH Entertainment will be made on Monday afternoon for the final Friday night. The F1 race weekend at Yas Marina Circuit, runs from Thursday, October 31 to Sunday, November 3.
A UAE music industry insider told 7DAYS that there were “very strong rumours going around” that The Rolling Stones were to be offered a whopping $6million to play the F1 bash.
The line-up for Yasalam 2013’s four nights of after-race shows at the du Arena includes Arab superstars Amr Diab, Hussain Al Jassmi and Elissa all performing on the opening Thursday night.
UK rockers Muse take to the stage on Saturday, November 2 before their fellow countrymen Depeche Mode sign off on the Sunday after the Grand Prix.
43-year-old Jay Z, married to pop honey Beyonce, has had more number one albums than any other solo performer in US music history. Ticket holders for the 2013 Formula 1 Etihad Airways Abu Dhabi Grand Prix will be able to attend all four concerts as part of the entry ticket privileges – called Y1 Access.
Tickets are available from www.yasmarinacircuit.com or via the call centre 800 YAS (927).
