The celebrity had been invited to celebrate her 41st birthday on the island, in return for taking part in a one-off concert. But the arrangement has upset the Greek Cypriot community, which has launched an online campaign to persuade her to cancel the concert, according to the Guardian.

Thousands of people have signed a petition asking the singer to reconsider her decision to perform in the territory, which is not officially recognised by the United Nations. Cyprus was invaded in 1974 by Turkish troops and has been divided between Greeks in the south and Turks in the north ever since.

"It is with dismay and shock that the people of Cyprus and especially the Greek Cypriot women in the Republic of Cyprus and elsewhere in the world heard the news that you intend to attend the inauguration of a hotel in the occupied by Turkey [sic] part of our native country," said a letter compiled by campaign organisers. The message, carried on the Cyprus Action Network of America, argues that nearly four decades after the island was "barbarically invaded" it would be morally unconscionable for the artist to visit.