Coldplay lead Chris Martin couldn't understand why people would like them to headline the Glastonbury Festival when rapper Jay-Z is already doing so.

Martin has defended the superstar rapper from those who don't think he would be a great headliner for the festival.

Showbizspy.com has quoted the singer as saying, "Why would we need to [play Glastonbury], considering the best musician on the planet is headlining? I find it pretty embarrassing, all the palaver [over Jay-Z's booking]."

"We recently came back to England to find all this hoo-hah, grandpas complaining about things they don't know about."

"Coldplay not playing and Jay-Z playing is exactly what needs to happen for the world. He's the best rapper in the world."

Jay-Z's booking on the summer event has raised eyebrows questioning why a hip hop artist was placed on the line-up on the festival known for being the largest Greenfield music and performing arts festival in the world. Coldplay had headlined the festival in 2005.