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IN PHOTO: Pop icon Madonna confirms return to Australia on August 2016, nearly a quarter of a century since her last visit, as part of her "Rebel Heart" world tour, Billboard reports. Madonna performs her song "Open Your Heart" during the Macklemore and Ryan Lewis' "Same Love" performance at the 56th annual Grammy Awards in Los Angeles, California January 26, 2014. Reuters/Mario Anzuoni

BBC Radio 1 boss, Ben Cooper clarified that the decision not to include Madonna’s latest single “Living for Love” was nothing personal against the pop legend. Compared to the songs of new artists however, the boss said that Madonna’s songs are not just good enough to be included in catering to a young audience.

Daily Star UK reports that Cooper, who heads the major British Radio station, Radio 1, responded to the criticisms of Madonna’s fans, who claimed the station banned the artist for not including her single “Living for Love” on the playlist. Cooper denied that any banning took place and explained why the song was not selected.

Cooper claimed that the decision was nothing personal against the artist, who is a legend in her own name. Cooper said that to be included in the playlist lies in the merit of an artist’s music “at the time” the decision to include songs is being made. Moreover, the decision was made through a fair method. "We have one of the most democratic playlist committees in the world and it's worked for Madonna for the last 20 odd years but it just means that this current record, when it's a choice between that and say Wolf Alice or a new up-and-coming artist, then you say 'which is more relevant to a young audience?" he explained.

Even though Cooper meant to say age is not an issue but relevance, he may have indirectly dissed the Queen of Pop. Last year, long before “Living for Love” was even released, BBC News already learned that Radio 1 really had no plans of including Madonna’s music in their lineup and has already “moved on from her music.

During the Radio Academy event last year, the station’s 49-year-old head of music, George Ergatoudis, who chairs the weekly playlist meetings, already admitted the station is not that enthusiastic about Madonna’s new songs. “The vast majority of people who like Madonna, who like her music now, are over 30 and frankly, we've moved on from Madonna,” he was caught saying. He asserted that the station is catering more to the people aged 15 to 30.

For feedback, please email a.dee@ibtimes.com.au

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