Beefs.
Music
Elton John attending the premiere of The Union at the Tribeca Film Festival.Madonna at the premiere of I Am Because We Are at the 2008 Tribeca Film Festival

Elton JohnMadonna

Photo — Elton John: Own work (CC BY 3.0) · Madonna: Own work (CC BY-SA 3.0)

Music·Resolved·Since 2002
Beef Score measures the intensity and public prominence of a dispute. It does not indicate who is right.Factors considered·Heat·Public attention·Escalation·LongevityCurrently assigned editorially, not computed.

The Short Version

A long-running public feud between Elton John and Madonna began in November 2002 when John publicly criticized Madonna's James Bond theme song 'Die Another Day'. Over the next two decades, John repeatedly criticized Madonna's live performances and lip-syncing, while her team defended her artistry. In April 2025, Madonna confronted John backstage at Saturday Night Live, where John apologized and both artists announced that they had buried the hatchet.

Latest Development

Madonna and Elton John Reconcile Backstage at SNL

Following Elton John's performance on Saturday Night Live on April 5, 2025, Madonna met him backstage. John apologized for his past remarks, and both artists publicly confirmed on social media on April 7, 2025, that they had buried the hatchet.

April 5, 2025 · Verified event

The Beef

Chronological, newest first. Every entry cites a source.

Beef timeline

  1. April 5, 2025

    Madonna and Elton John Reconcile Backstage at SNL

    Verified event

    Following Elton John's performance on Saturday Night Live on April 5, 2025, Madonna met him backstage. John apologized for his past remarks, and both artists publicly confirmed on social media on April 7, 2025, that they had buried the hatchet.

    Source ↗

  2. Date unknown

    Elton John Criticizes Madonna's James Bond Theme

    Public statement

    In November 2002, Elton John publicly described Madonna's James Bond theme song 'Die Another Day' as 'the worst Bond tune ever'.

    Source ↗

  3. Date unknown

    Elton John Accuses Madonna of Lip-Syncing at Q Awards

    Public statement

    At the October 2004 Q Awards, Elton John criticized Madonna's nomination for Best Live Act, questioning how lip-syncing could count as a live act. Madonna's representative issued a statement denying that she lip-syncs.

    Source ↗

  4. Date unknown

    Golden Globes Award Clash and Social Media Reaction

    Verified event

    At the January 2012 Golden Globes, Madonna's song 'Masterpiece' won Best Original Song over Elton John's nominee. John's husband David Furnish criticized the result on Facebook, while Madonna stated backstage that she adored John and hoped he would speak to her.

    Source ↗

  5. Date unknown

    Elton John Escalates Remarks in Television Interview

    Public statement

    In August 2012, Elton John made harsh comments about Madonna's career and appearance during an Australian television interview, while also defending Lady Gaga against Madonna's past criticisms.

    Source ↗

  6. Date unknown

    Elton John Praises Madonna's HIV/AIDS Tribute

    Public statement

    In October 2023, Elton John praised Madonna on Instagram for honoring victims of HIV/AIDS during her Celebration Tour, thanking her for her long-standing advocacy.

    Source ↗

Where It Stands

Resolved. The feud is fully resolved. In April 2025, Madonna visited Elton John backstage at Saturday Night Live, where John apologized for his past remarks. Both artists posted on social media confirming they had reconciled and hinting at a potential musical collaboration.

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Sources

  1. 1.SourceMadonna and Elton John Reconcile Backstage at SNL · Apr 5, 2025
  2. 2.SourceElton John Criticizes Madonna's James Bond Theme ·
  3. 3.SourceElton John Accuses Madonna of Lip-Syncing at Q Awards ·
  4. 4.SourceGolden Globes Award Clash and Social Media Reaction ·
  5. 5.SourceElton John Escalates Remarks in Television Interview ·
  6. 6.SourceElton John Praises Madonna's HIV/AIDS Tribute ·

Allegations are attributed to the party that made them and are not statements of fact.