A longstanding rivalry culminates in a historic reconciliation.
Elton John and Madonna perform at the Rain Forest Concert finale at Carnegie Hall in 1998. Richard Corkery/NY Daily News Archive via Getty Images
The dynamic between Elton John and Madonna is one of the most storied and contentious in music history. Their rivalry, which spanned over two decades, includes sharp criticisms and heated exchanges, ultimately culminating in a surprising reconciliation after years of public disputes.
The Origins of the Feud
The discord between the two icons sparked in November 2002 when Elton criticized Madonna’s song “Die Another Day,” branding it “the worst Bond tune ever.” His comments set the stage for a prolonged period of animosity marked by public insults and jabs.
Key Incidents and Exchanges
The tension escalated in October 2004, when Elton, during an acceptance speech at the Q Awards, disparaged Madonna’s live performances, saying, “Madonna, best f–king live act? F–k off.” This comment was met with a sharp rebuke from Madonna’s representatives, who defended her authenticity as a performer.
Despite attempts at clarification, the icy relationship persisted. By August 2005, Elton maintained that he had sent two Christmas cards to Madonna—both were returned. Their feud continued to simmer with further barbs exchanged at award shows, including a notably tense moment at the 2012 Golden Globes.
Amidst the rivalry, Elton’s critiques often included commentary about Madonna’s career choices and public behavior. In an August 2012 interview, he infamously referred to her as a “fairground stripper” and questioned her artistic direction, further deepening the rift.
Attempts at Reconciliation
However, a turning point occurred in October 2019 when Elton reflected on their feud in his memoir, acknowledging the need to move beyond previous criticisms. He expressed regret for his harsh remarks and highlighted the negative impact of Madonna’s earlier comments about Lady Gaga, signaling a readiness to mend their relationship.
Most recently, in October 2023, Elton publicly praised Madonna for her heartfelt tribute during her Celebration Tour, recognizing her efforts in raising awareness about AIDS. This acknowledgment marked a significant moment of mutual respect between the two artists.
A Historic Meeting
The culmination of their feud occurred in April 2025 when Madonna visited Elton backstage at Saturday Night Live. Their encounter was marked by heartfelt apologies and a mutual recognition of each other’s contributions to music. “Forgiveness is a powerful tool,” Madonna conveyed in her reflective post on social media, highlighting how their relationship had come full circle.
Elton reciprocated, expressing gratitude for their reconciliation and acknowledging Madonna’s lasting impact on the music industry. Their public feud has ultimately transformed into a story of reconciliation, demonstrating how two musical titans can overcome their differences.
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