Hollywood actress Gwyneth Paltrow has staunchly defended her rapper pal Jay-Z against criticism for his headlining spot at Britain's legendary Glastonbury festival this summer.

It has been alleged that Jay-Z's scheduled performance on the mainstage has been largely responsible for the decline in ticket sales for the event, but organisers have slammed the suggestion that festival-goers want to see rock bands perform instead of hip-hop stars.

But Shakespeare In Love beauty Paltrow, who was a witness at Jay-Z's recent wedding to Beyonce Knowles, insists the Big Pimpin' hitmaker will be "brilliant for Glastonbury".

She adds, "He's the best rapper of all-time and I think he'll knock it out of the park."
 
Paltrow joined Jay-Z on stage at his Royal Albert Hall gig in London in 2006, providing backing vocals for one of his songs. Jay-Z has also collaborated with Paltrow's husband Chris Martin.