Lorde cancels Israel gig even as culture minister asks her to reconsider

As Lorde called off her concert in Tel Aviv, Israel, following calls for the singer to pull out from the gig due to the ongoing cultural boycott in the country, Culture Minister Miri Regev has requested her to rethink her decision.

The 21-year-old singer was scheduled to perform for Tel Aviv Convention Centre on June 5 as a part of her 2018 world tour, according to Billboard.

"I hope that Lorde reconsiders her decision not to play in Israel.

"Lorde, I expect you to be a 'pure heroine' like the title of your first album. A pure heroine of culture, void of any foreign political considerations, not to mention delusional ones," Regev said in a statement to Times of Israel.

Concert promoter Naranjah confirmed the cancellation of Lorde's show on Monday.

In a statement to the organisers, through Jerusalem Post's Amy Spiro, Lorde announced her decision to cancel her show in the capital.

"I've received an overwhelming number of messages and letters and have had a lot of discussions with people holding many views, and I think the right decision at this time is to cancel the show.

"I pride myself on being an informed young citizen, and I had done a lot of reading and sought a lot of opinions before deciding to book a show in Tel Aviv, but I'm not too proud to admit I didn't make the right call on this one," the "Melodrama" singer wrote.

Lorde said it was her "dream" to visit Tel Aviv and she hopes it would come true soon.

"I'm truly sorry to reverse my commitment to come play for you," she added.

On December 20, the singer had replied to authors Nadia Abu-Shanab and Justine Sachs penned an open letter on New Zealand site The Spinoff titled "Dear Lorde, here's why we are urging you to boycott Israel".

The writer duo had prompted Lorde to avoid performing in the country would reflect her support to the ruling government, "even if you make no comment on the political situation".

Lorde wrote back, "Noted! Been speaking with many people about this and considering all options. Thank you for educating me I am learning all the time too."