Being the most successful female recording artist of all time may have its perks, but this week has seen Madonna learn that immortality isn’t one of them.
For, according to reports published today, she has seen her brand new single ‘Living For Love‘ booted from BBC Radio 1‘s playlist…because she’s too old.
Full story below…
The number is pulled from the singer’s latest studio album ‘Rebel Heart‘ and was performed live at the 57th annual Grammy awards, recently named as one of the night’s highest pulling performances on a ratings front.
Alas, reports now claim that BBC Radio 1 aren’t interested in giving the jam airplay because Madonna is too old for its teen audience.
The track is the first single from the mother of four’s new album, Rebel Heart. The station last night said the single had been omitted from playlists on the basis of ‘audience relevance’ and ‘musical merit’.A Radio 1 insider said: ‘At the end of the day it’s all about relevance. It’s natural that as an artist gets older their audience goes elsewhere and Radio 1 has to reflect that.
‘The station has a duty to meet the needs of younger listeners. I don’t think the audience is losing sleep that it is not playing Madonna in the same way that it used to.’
The snub represents a remarkable fall from grace for the star who notched up 13 UK No 1s between 1985 and 2008. She finds herself alongside Sir Cliff Richard, Take That, Kate Bush and Robbie Williams on a long list of artists who struggle to get new material played on the station.
Madonna’s single is being played on Radio 2, which caters for an audience aged over 35. By contrast, Sir Paul McCartney’s new single will be played by Radio 1 even though the former Beatle is 72. This is because the track is a collaboration with rapper Kanye West, 37, and pop mega-star Rihanna, 26.
A Radio 1 spokesman said: ‘Tracks are chosen on musical merit, and while around 40 per cent of the country’s 15 to 29-year-olds tune into Radio 1 each week, an artist’s age is never a factor.’
Lol
Radio 1 sucksss. Capital FM is better 😀
B** 1 is promoting ageism and discrimination. It should be illegal. It is not very ethical. Very 3rd world country approach.
Who listens to the radio these days? Maybe an illegal immigrant….. 😆
Radio 1 is pathetic, but honestly, I’m not surprised ’cause they’ve done this to countless artists before. It’s not just about one song, they basically ban most artists over 40, and don’t play them, no matter what they release.
What’s the most tragic about all this is the fact that audience measures have shown that the age of the average Radio 1 listener is actually over 30. They desperately want to cater to the younger demographic, as if that audience was more ‘valuable’ or something, but the fact no one over there knows that teenagers don’t even listen to radio anymore suggests that the programmers are probably dinosaurs, too.
@Urghhhh
People do still listen to radio, which is why getting radio play is still a crucial factor in generating buzz for a project, which then translates into sales. In 2000, Cher was only 3 years younger than Madonna is now when she had the highest charting record of the year. It’s sad to see society regressing
People are stupid & they’ll buy into anything if it’s played enough. Living For Love could could be relevant; young people could buy into it, but Radio 1’s made the conscious decision to discriminate against Madonna based solely on age. Of course they’re fine with Rihanna’s record. Maybe Madonna should add a verse from a famous rapper & try to resubmit…chances are they’ll play her collabo w Nicki Minaj, if she chose to service that to their station.
I hate Radio 1 they only play mostly new what’s happening bands and no one over 30s. In an hour they play around 5 songs and all they do is talk talk talk. I thought radio is to promote music. Not many rnb songs get played ever on radio 1 mostly for students. Am.not a Madonna fan at all just think she’s had her day. She’s a legend but there’s only so much you can take. If my Nana was knocking round in knee boots and skimpy outfits shell be straight in that care home
Exactly, they play the same few songs over and over again. As far as r&b all we have left is B** 1Xtra and even they play what’s on the top 40 charts- but I can’t get over the “musical merit” they speak of… what a joke!
Do you remember the lick chart on Saturdays at 3pm with Trevor Nelson I used to tape my songs off it! You would gets songs out in the US early haha
Living For Love is a good song. Who cares about age and your crappy post!
As if your mother even looks like her lol.
Pretty soon there will be no point in playing songs on the radio if they’re on youtube or spotify or whatever…
Radio 1 is so 10 years ago… RIP 🙁
Radio1 has changed their format to cover a younger demographic. They fired all their old presenters and relaunched. Their ratings have dropped massively and they are not the powerhouse they once were. It’s a joke.
Radio 1 is not what it once was – it tries too hard to be edgy and current. Who bans one of the biggest living legends in music today? It’s their loss – Living for Love is a great radio track.
I much prefer Capital.
Lmao. Madonna needs to realize this isn’t the 70’s/80’s anymore, she’s not young. I hate that she always uses younger artist to sell her demonic music, hopefully she just retires and go to Vegas with the other legends.
B**** is u mad ?
I have my reservations about using Daily Mail as a credible source for anything but that’s beside the point…It’s quite unfortunate that artists over 40 get snubbed not because of the quality of their material but because of their age.It’s totally unfair,at least in the 80s it never seemed so obvious as the likes of Dionne Warwick,Aretha Franklin,Tina Turner,Kenny Rogers and Barbara Streisand were still able to score #1 hits in their 40s with lots of airplay but now even 35yr olds are struggling
Maybe her music is just CRAP
It has been for years. Her discography is overrated like beys.
I agree sis!!!!
Hmmmm gurl … Pls when I look at your pic I’m for abortion !
Not surprised here, she’s been blacklisted on radio since “American Life”, if she wants a hit, she needs a clear channel deal, otherwise her songs won’t be played and it seems like she’s not interested in charts, thank God, even Mariah who was the Queen of radio is not getting support or Beyoncé for that matter, just focus on the album and forget about singles, like Prince said: Albums still matters.
My Queen Mariah was the best radio artist of the 1990s & 2005. YAY! Payola mixed with quality music worked wonders for Mimi. But, why didn’t they payola “All I Want For Christmas” <—- That songs should've been number 1… I mean, it sold like 6 million physical singles by 1999. I don't get it.
AIWFC was a hit, a timeless classy, not need to be #1, that’s just a number, kind of like her “Thriller”.
Wow, Living for love is a good tune but because of her age they instead of playing good music they would rather play boring typical generic dance music that people eventually get tired of hearing and turn they’re radios off and put in their aux cords. This is one of the reasons why the industry is in shambles because all of these radios, record companies etc. are worried about everything else but the music. The greed will be the fall of a lot of companies. Soon all these new artist will be selling 10k first week and they will have to rely on touring/ endless endorsements to make money.
Crying! She needs to retire anyways.
Crying ! Your face = abortion !
Honestly though, who REALLY even listens to the radio anymore. When I get into the car, I plug my iPhone into the radio and listen to what I want to listen to. Now there’s so many different platforms like Spotify and Soundcloud, just seems like radio is losing it’s “cool” factor…
lmaoo this washed up b****! she’s a mess! her career is done! how can she still have fans?
kii
Are you describing Lil Kim? Lol…
Oop
The irony…. Lol
Your mother shoud be ban for not doing abortion on you …
not nice, although madge should probably stop trying to cling to relevance
#Flop
You want to get dragged so badly.
Lol
Like your momma???
I bet your taste is as creative as your comments. lol
they can f-ckoff, how dear they.
I’ve never been a Madonna fan but I think it’s f***** up how older artists get no AirPlay, no matter how hot the song may be.
It sucks getting old. Actually, makes me scared how younger people treat old people. This is straight rude & disrespectful. Lucky enough, Madonna doesn’t need radio. But, other older acts do. Its said the industry turns their back on you after you turn 40… Even, when artist have strong voices/talent but if their over 40.. It doesn’t even matter. Just Sad. This is why Beyonce needs to start cracking out albums quick.. Cause her time is ticking too.
Bey has a godly status that I have not seen since MJ (STATUS not sales!!!). Radio won’t be her downfall but the media can’t wait to tear her down.
Ooooh, I totally agree. The media is WAITING for Beyonce to start f’in up! I want Beyonce to retire & bow out gracefully around 40 tbh.. And, maybe do a few tours here & there afterwards.
@Bruno Mars Stan
Bey has a godly status that I have not seen since MJ (STATUS not sales!!!).
I guess you’re been living under a rock, yes, Beyoncé is very worshiped but not even close to be as worshiped, acclaimed, loved/hated and to have that GOD status as the likes of MJ, Madonna, Whitney, Mariah and several other musicians out of the pop world, not even close., if anything, she’s overrated, overstimated, she’s the media’s darling, that’s all.
@ this S****** blonde fool, you really are a dumb ass, just stfu.
@Mimi
Let me guess, you also think Beyonce and MJ share he same status in the music industry/history, right?
Listen, of course not, but seeing as how you stan for artist with minimal talent/or no talent, you are in no position to judge, hence, which makes your opinion, irrelevant. So kindly sit the f*** down, and stfu.
So you think i stan for artists with no talent, i could spend tthe whole day teaching you about music and what makes an artist talented but i won’t waste my time, i’m usually a very humble guy but when it comes to music, i’m an arrogant b******, i know my things.
Lol you’re a f****** joke. Go have a seat b****, bye.
Looking at all the likes your comments have, it’s safe to say that everyone agrees with you, i’m a joke, how different things would be if i show a picture of me, y’all would be licking my ass.
Beyonce is not a media darling. The same media who dragged her throughout her pregnancy, all through destiny child breakup, relationship etc no maam. Like Stephy said the media is waiting for her to eff up she just doesn’t give them enough to do anything. She is very respected by her peers, older musicians for her age though. And that doesn’t come from anywhere. Shes not a musican like Beck but she is a raw talent. Not many artists can tick all the boxes and her versatility as a performer (good voice, performer, showmanship) like her. So don’t discredit her talent just because she doesn’t play 15 instruments or is an amazing producer/songwriter.
WHO says this >>>>how different things would be if i show a picture of me, y’all would be licking my ass<<<<
Like I said, you're a f****** JOKE, and thanks for proving it.
Beyonce can survive without pop radio as last two eras have proved. Its other artists who rely on a lot of mainstream airplay that need to start planning ahead especially if they lack talent so can’t rely off touring/performances [insert who you please here]
Retire granddonna!!! No one’s here for u Sis, even radio has abandoned you… girl bye
Nicki the 35 year old thot should retire too
Girl bye, Nicki is an infant compared to the dinosaur.
If it isn’t the fat drag queen from the rural eastern cape!! SCREAMING
Not today girl.
Not today? Because your obese transexual a** can’t access my twitter? Lol you’re pathetic u know that? Umubi nje futhi unjalo
It’s a shame she made a few songs with that total bore Nicki Minaj.
Lol
Laughing at your favs sales…??
No I’m laughing at you favs come back concert..lmfao it was only 10 people there lmao
Chile I’ve BEEN OVER Madge & it’s been years since I’ve listened to her music!!!
Who asked you? LOL
Some of you are totally clueless if you cNt see this is bad for all of your favs. Queen Bey couldn’t even get her latest singles played and she’s in her 30s. Ageism was not this bad 20 years ago and radio truly sucks. Maybe if they played a more diverse amount of songs more people would still listen
There are lots of current artists struggling to get their material played on radio, too. The easiest way to do it for an artist who’s not considered current would be to create a hit through streaming and sales, but this song isn’t really performing that strongly in either of those areas, especially considering the song is by a star of Madonna’s magnitude. Living for Love teases Like a Prayer, but maybe that vibe plays better to the mature crowd. I’m not very familiar with British radio, but it sounds to me like they’re playing it on the right radio station(s).
I HATE this generation tbh… Its just terrible & whack. This is why the 1990s will always be my favorite decade. Shoot, even Aretha’s ol’ big ass was cranking out top 10 hits in that decade. The 90s was soooo diverse… R&B, Rock, Pop, Funk, Hip Hop/Rap, Soul & even JAZZ dominated within sales & radio airplay. Also, old acts was still having success in the 90s. Nowadays, in the 2015 era… They only stuck up Rihanna, Taylor, Katy & Maroon 5 asses. I CANNOT!
The 90’s were just pure perfection, artists were at their peak of creativity. Best decades for music: 90’s-60’s-80’s-70’s-50’s IMO 😀
I totally agree. 90’s > 00’s > 80’s > 60’s > 70’s etc… I don’t really care for anything before the 1960s…
@Stephy…You are so right about diversity back then.Artists of different generations,races and genres were racking up hits and multiplatinum certifications with relative ease.There was room for everyone,I mean Michael,Whitney,Luther,Shania,Erykah Badu,Enrique,Fugees,Lauryn,Madonna,Aaliyah,Latifah,No Doubt,Janet,Mariah,D’Angelo,Brandy,TLC,SWV,Spice Girls,Natalie Cole,Maxwell,Michael Bolton,George Michael,Bryan Adams,Backstreet,Boyz 2 Men,Gloria Estefan,Monica,Pac,Lil Kim,WuTang,Snoop,Mary J.Blige,Sade,Tevin Campbell,Toni,Alanis,Dru Hill,Nsync,Babyface,Jodeci,Ginuwine,Notorious were enjoying success while doing their own thing
It was like that even in 2001 and 2002, Pop artists, rockers, etc, Britney, Linkin Park, Destiny’s Child, Emimem, you could listen to all of them in one radio station, music’s downfall started around 2006 IMO when the whole urban TIMBALAND (save JT) took control and it worsened when Just Dance and Poker Face hit mainstream.
I agree @S******..After 2006 artists started chasing trends.From Timbaland being on everyone’s song to Akon to T-Pain and by the time Dr.Luke,RedOne and David Guetta came in,all hope was lost
So wait…. Let me try and make sense of this. They’re choosing not to play the music of rhe woman who paved the way for the pop artist today? That’s why I stan for Beyonce. Albums, Touring >>>>>
I do love when they’re FORCED to play songs they banned for not being relevant enough on Sundays during the Official Charts show. Like just recently they banned Fergie but LA LOVE went top 3 there. Kii.
WELL ITS 2015 NOBODY LISTENS TO RADIO ANYMORE
WAIT TILL SHE ANNOUNCES HER NEW TOUR THEY WILL BE BEGGING HER FOR A PROMO INTERVIEW
“mega-star Rihanna, 26.” Just want to point that out.
Madge’s strength has always been in touring.. that always been where the moneys at for her. Let’s not forget the ‘Sticky and Sweet Tour’ was the highest grossing female tour of all time, So the only way she can save this mess of an album campaign is if she tours asap
Ageism is never funny
GIVE IT UP HAGDONNA
Celine as in the h** ?
I wouldn’t be surprised if they made this decision after that hard to watch performance at the GRAMMYs. Age is definitely a factor but how she represents herself on the stage takes away from her music. Im sure it’s people that’s aroused by “Mature” women, but as the B** mentioned, there’s particular groups for that. Her music can be timeless but Madonna won’t stop being trashy.
By trashy you mean to stop being Madonna, right?….Mick Jagger (whom i adore) and Iggy Pop behave like kids, are out shape, etc, way worse than Madonna but they are praised for their young spirit, haters gonna hate.
Makes absolutely no sense because the song is so UK radio friendly. They did this to Kylie minogue too.
They B** Radio 1 are…donkeys!!!
Disgusting. Why people still even listen to the radio is beyond me.
This. I still dont know why people listen to radio, or why radio even has so much power these days. All music charts should drop radio for being a factor, it should be steams and digital downloads only.
Radio doesnt represent the public or the buyers, its basically some fat dumb b**** choosing songs they think young people like, and then they overplay the same ****** songs over and over and over and over again. And radio abuse their powers too, just look at how they just ban songs and artists like that, that shouldnt be allowed.
Radio is disgusting in every way and it brings down the music industry. 🙁
This sucks! Although I truly can’t think of a single artist (man or woman) that actually got away with more than Madonna has in her career, it’s criminal for any artist to be blacklisted from radio programming unfairly (especially due to aging). I hate all the politics in this industry. This is why I want Bey to wrap it up at 40 or album #10 (which ever comes first). The thirst is real and they want her bad! … That Janet SB bad!!! As for Madonna, she’s not the first. There’s so many artists radio abandoned that still had “it” that are much younger than Madonna. Toni should be making hits! Brandy should be making hits! En Vogue! Erykah! Mary! Alicia! The list goes on and on!
Lol what type of crazy crap are they trying to pull? Madonna is the only one among her peers to still have mega mega successful tours and moderate album sales. I would understand this if this was told to my favs (Mariah, Toni, and etc), but the top selling female artist of all time—– the confusion lives.
666
B** 1 Sucks…stupid! Don’t play Madonna but plays a lot of s***…