MADONNA - MADONNA TO BE HONOURED BY 'FELLOW JEWS'

MADONNA is to be acknowledged for her interest in Judaism when her songs are interpreted by Jewish artists at the upcoming Jewish Music + Heritage Festival in New York.

The Kabbalah-studying pop superstar's hits will be performed by acclaimed singer REGINA SPEKTOR as part of the festival's Great Jewish Artists Perform Great Jewish Composers concerts.

Other big names whose music will be featured include BILLY JOEL, CAROLE KING and RANDY NEWMAN.

Meanwhile, late punk icon JOEY RAMONE will be honoured posthumously with the festival's Lifetime Achievement award during a ceremony on 19 September (05).