Elton John and Madonna's feud and how it finally ended

Sir Elton John and Madonna are two of the most iconic pop stars in history, and as is the case with many other celebrities in the same field, their decades-long careers have been punctuated by an equally enduring feud. While both artists share a history of incredible success and a penchant for speaking their minds, their diva-sized personalities have clashed in dramatic ways over the years.

Let’s take a look at how this feud started, what’s been said, and whether peace has finally been achieved.

All about Madonna and Elton John's feud

Though they were seen sharing laughs at the 1995 BRIT Awards, the animosity between Madonna and Elton John, who issued a tragic health update last year, began to unfold in 2002, when Elton called Madonna’s Bond theme song, Die Another Day, 'the worst Bond tune ever.' As per Smooth Radio, Elton further suggested that the song would have been better suited for artists like Shirley Bassey or himself.

The feud hit a public peak in 2004 at the Q Awards. Elton, accepting the Classic Songwriter Award, launched a blistering attack on Madonna, who was nominated for Best Live Act. He said, as quoted by Hollywood Reporter:

Since when has lip-syncing been live? Anyone who lip-syncs on stage… should be shot.

That’s me off her Christmas card list, but do I give a toss? No.

This pattern continued, with Elton frequently delivering scathing comments about Madonna’s performances, music, and even her appearance. In 2012, during Madonna’s Super Bowl performance, Elton offered unsolicited advice, sarcastically telling her to 'make sure you lip-sync well.' Later that year, when Madonna won the Golden Globe for Best Original Song, beating out Elton’s entry, his husband, David Furnish, blasted the win as 'narcissistic' and 'unmerited'.

Madonna, however, consistently took the high road. When asked about Elton’s remarks, she said:

Elton has been known to get mad at me, so I don't know. He's brilliant, and I adore him, so he'll win another award. I don't feel bad.

She also dedicated a song to him during her 2012 concert, saying, 'I forgive him. Gotta start somewhere.'

Are the two friends now?

In a surprising turn of events, Elton and Madonna eventually buried the hatchet. In 2016, he confirmed that they did reconcile, and it occurred when they ran into each other at a restaurant in the south of France. Elton extended a note apologizing for his past comments, offering to buy Madonna dinner. She accepted graciously, and the two talked out their differences. He said when on The Graham Norton Show:

I said something horrible about her that you should never say. I was in a restaurant in the south of France a couple of years ago and she walked in so I sent her a note saying, 'You’ll probably never speak to me again but I am really sorry and ashamed of myself and can I buy you dinner.'

She was very gracious and accepted and we talked. We are fine – it was just me and my big mouth.’

Since then, the feud has cooled considerably. In 2023, Elton publicly praised Madonna after she paid tribute to AIDS victims during her Celebration Tour. On Instagram, Elton wrote:

We’re deeply moved by the heartfelt tribute from @madonna… Thank you, Madonna, for your advocacy and compassion.

Read more:

Elton John reveals he has 'lost his eyesight' following infection

Elton John: Here's the six-figure sum he may have received for his final performance at Glastonbury

Madonna 'brought back from the dead': This is how the singer was saved from her deadly infection

Sources used:

Good Housekeeping: The 20 Most Famous Celebrity Feuds of All Time We'll Never Forget

Smooth Radio: Elton John and Madonna's feud explained: Why the pop legends fell out

American Songwriter: Behind the beef: A Glance at the Years-Long Spat Between Madonna & Elton John

Daily Mail: Elton John PRAISES Madonna after years-long feud! Singer shares he's 'deeply moved' by the Queen of Pop's concert tribute to AIDS victims

The Hollywood Reporter: Elton John Vs. Madonna: The 5 Best Insults Over the Years

Daily Mail: 'Make sure you lip-synch good:' The claws are out again as Elton John offers adversary Madonna some 'advice' for Super Bowl gig