A Jay-Z Offer That Lily Allen Can't Refuse

When Jay-Z wants something, he usually gets it. What he wants now is for U.K. pop star Lily Allen to delay her extended vacation from performing to open his upcoming headlining gig at this summer’s O2 Wireless Festival.

In an interview with BBC 1’s Newsbeat after the Brit Awards—where he took home the Best International Male award—last week, Jay talked about possibly snagging Allen.

"I spoke to Lily Allen. I'm trying to get her for Wireless," he said. "Hopefully that goes through. I bum-rushed them in the corner where they can't say ‘No.’ I’ve known her for a minute. I think she's a great artist. I respect her.”

Allen first burst on the scene in 2006 with her hit single, “Smile” from her debut album, Alright, Still. Her sophomore set, the triple platinum It’s Not Me, It’s You dropped last year and features her current smash, “Fear.”

In a recent statement Lily said, “I was very flattered to hear that Jay-Z wanted me to support him at Wireless. I am excited to end my current string of live shows in such prestigious company."

Taking place at London, England’s Hyde Park Jay’s concert will be the three day festivals last on Sunday, July 4. Mr. Hudson, who is featured on Jay’s The Blueprint 3 cut, “Young Forever,” will also play ahead at the festival. –Brad Wete