A Timeline of Elton John & Madonna’s Decades-Long Feud: From Rivalry to Reconciliation

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. The Origin of the Feud: A Rocky Start
4. Early Barbs and Passive Aggression
5. The Turning Point: Moments of Forgiveness
6. Reflections and Regrets
7. The Resolution: Peace at Last
8. FAQ

Key Highlights

• The turbulent relationship between Elton John and Madonna spans over two decades, marked by public snipes, passionate defenses, and artistic clashes.
• The feud culminated in what can only be described as a significant reconciliation backstage at "Saturday Night Live" in April 2025, signaling a hopeful new chapter for both music icons.

Introduction

Few rivalries in music history are as storied and entertaining as that of Elton John and Madonna. Their saga has woven through CD releases, award shows, and public interviews over more than 20 years. Their back-and-forth has captured the intrigue of fans and the media alike, often oscillating between venomous comments and unexpected glimpses of admiration. The recent reconciliation in 2025, however, suggests that their relationship may have finally evolved. How did we move from Elton John dubbing Madonna's Bond theme as "the worst ever" to the pair seeking collaboration in a moment soaked in forgiveness?

The Origin of the Feud: A Rocky Start

The catalyst for their feud can be traced back to November 2002 when Elton John publicly criticized Madonna's contribution to the "Die Another Day" soundtrack. He labeled it the "worst Bond tune ever," dismissing it with a flurry of insults aimed at Madonna's artistic choices. Elton’s comments set a precedent for the kinds of exchanges that would soon follow—sharp, frank, and often comedic.

His remarks did not go unnoticed; they were just the first shot in a long-standing battle that would evolve through public appearances, award shows, and social media exchanges. Over the next few years, the tit for tat would snowball into what was often seen as a deeply personal feud, rather than mere professional rivalry.

Early Barbs and Passive Aggression

In October 2004, Elton escalated tensions further when he bluntly criticized Madonna during an acceptance speech. He quipped, “Madonna, best f–king live act? F–k off,” referencing her use of lip-syncing during performances. This moment not only showcased his brutally honest demeanor but also ignited a wave of media interest in their feud.

Despite the hostility, Elton later expressed regret over his choice of words in a Rolling Stone interview. He acknowledged that Madonna was a groundbreaking artist and stated, “I have great respect for her as a relevant and pioneering artist.” However, the age-old question of whether respect and rivalry can coexist loomed large.

Escalations and Accusations

As the feud continued to brew, the stakes intensified during the Golden Globes in January 2012. Both artists were nominated for Best Original Song, setting the stage for yet another public spat. Elton, seeming to relish the rivalry, dismissed Madonna’s chances of winning, while her retort was equally sharp. After Madonna took home the award, Elton's husband, David Furnish, famously vented on social media, accusing the awards of lacking merit.

This moment exemplified how their conflict transcended just Elton and Madonna—extending into the realms of their supporters and interconnected alliances, such as Lady Gaga, who found herself in the middle of a separate war of words instigated by Madonna.

The Turning Point: Moments of Forgiveness

The feud simmered for years, with Elton unleashing jabs that often had little regard for Madonna’s feelings or artistic integrity. In August 2012, Elton took a particularly poignant shot when he claimed Madonna looked like a “fairground stripper,” further straining relations.

Yet, the tides started to shift when Madonna, performing on her MDNA Tour in the same month, chose to shed light on their conflict. She mentioned her desire to forgive Elton, stating, “I know he’s a big fan of it... You know what? I forgive him,” hinting at a change in her perspective.

Reflections and Regrets

As the years went on, both artists began to reflect on their turbulent relationship. In his 2019 memoir, Me, Elton revisited his previous remarks, admitting that he shouldn’t have said many of the things he did, particularly those that hurt Madonna. He also contextualized his feelings on the feud, highlighting the role other artists, like Lady Gaga, played in their discord.

A Shared Cause: Admiration Through Activism

Fast forward to October 2023, and Elton surprised many when he praised Madonna for her heartfelt tribute to those lost in the HIV/AIDS crisis during her Celebration Tour. His post was an acknowledgment of her advocacy and impact, underscoring the similarity of their careers rooted in philanthropy and activism.

The Resolution: Peace at Last

April 5, 2025, marked a watershed moment for both artists. Following Elton's performance on Saturday Night Live, Madonna visited backstage, leading to an unforeseen reconciliation filled with warmth and camaraderie. In a touching Instagram post, Madonna expressed her relief, stating, "We Finally Buried the Hatchet!!!” Elton, in turn, thanked her for coming and expressed his gratitude both for her forgiveness and the groundbreaking contributions she has made to music and society.

The Significance of Their Reunion

This reunion symbolized more than just a personal resolution; it embodied the potential for growth and mutual respect. Their story, rife with ups and downs, has evolved to become a narrative of transformation—highlighting how even the fiercest rivals can find common ground.

FAQ

What prompted the feud between Elton John and Madonna?

The feud originated in November 2002 when Elton John publicly criticized Madonna’s song “Die Another Day,” calling it “the worst Bond tune ever.”

Did Elton and Madonna ever collaborate musically?

While there were hints of potential collaborations as their relationship thawed, as of now, no official musical collaboration has been announced since their reconciliation.

How did the public react to their feud?

Fans and media outlets were captivated by their rivalry, often reporting on their exchanges with fervor. The feud became an ongoing source of entertainment for the music community.

What was the nature of the comments exchanged by both artists?

Both artists engaged in harsh criticisms, often employing humorous insults. Ultimately, the remarks became progressively more personal and deeply rooted in their respective identities as artists.

How significant is their reconciliation?

The reconciliation is significant as it represents a shift in their relationship dynamics. It serves as an example of moving past longstanding grievances and the power of forgiveness. Both Elton and Madonna acknowledged their mutual respect and admiration—elements that had been obscured by years of rivalry.

What role did their music careers play in the feud?

Their immense careers contributed to the tension, as both were at the forefront of pop music while vying for recognition and accolades. The overlap in their accolades and influence on the industry amplified their clashes in the public eye.

The narrative of Elton John and Madonna, once two titans clashing in the arena of art and public perception, has evolved. Their story—punctuated by sharp wit, public perception, and heartfelt resolutions—illustrates the complexities of fame and the enduring impact of forgiveness.