BBC Radio Claims It Didn't Ban Madonna's Music Because She Is "Irrelevant and Old"

Madonna has worked hard at looking and sounding young, so no one was probably more surprised than she was when her music was ousted from BBC Radio 1's playlist.

The station said that the 56-year-old's songs, which includes new releases from her latest album Rebel Heart, had been omitted from playlists on the basis of "audience relevance and "musical merit." Her single, "Living for Love," is playing on BBC Radio 2, a station that caters to an audience of ages 35 and older.

The "Express Yourself" crooner isn't the only above 40 artist to be "banned" from Radio 1's playlist. Other artists include Kylie Minogue, Robbie Williams and Take That. Needless to say, the station has faced some serious backlash from other famous artists such as Diplo, Boy George and more. 

The outrage has continued, with Madonna's fans also supporting their favorite artist, so naturally when the radio station asked fans on its Facebook page to request their favorite song, most asked for "Living for Love" by Madonna.

Fans have called for BBC 1 to stop their "ageism" practices and give artists an equal opportunity. The outrage reached such an intense level that the U.K. radio station finally released a statement about the ordeal.

"Radio 1 does not ban anyone--please don't believe the papers," the statement on Facebook reads. "The tracks played on Radio 1 are chosen on musical merit and their relevance to our young audience on a case-by-case basis, and whilst around 40% of the country's 15 to 29-year-olds tune into Radio 1 each week, an artist's age is never a factor."

The statement continues: "In fact, Paul McCartney currently has two tracks--'FourFiveSeconds' and 'Only One'--on the Radio 1 playlist."

Keep in mind both of those songs involve Kanye West, which might have something to do with their place on the list.