In a plot twist no one saw coming, Madonna and Elton John—two of pop music’s most legendary (and famously clashing) stars—have officially ended their decades-long feud. The pair shocked fans this week after Madonna shared a heartfelt Instagram post revealing they’ve “buried the hatchet”—and even teased a future collaboration!
The truce came after Madonna attended Elton’s Saturday Night Live performance on April 5, where the two were photographed backstage in a warm embrace. Days later, the Queen of Pop posted a nostalgic throwback to their rocky history, admitting their feud “hurt” her—but that forgiveness (and a potential duet) won out.
“When I met him, the first thing out of his mouth was, ‘forgive me’—and the wall between us fell down,” Madonna wrote. “Forgiveness is a powerful tool.”
Elton quickly responded, thanking her for the olive branch and praising her “ground-breaking work” as an artist and AIDS activist—hinting at future projects together.
But how did we get here? Let’s rewind.
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Elton John & Madonna: The Beef That Rocked Pop Royalty
2002: The Bond Theme Battle
The feud ignited when Elton infamously trashed Madonna’s James Bond theme, Die Another Day, calling it “tuneless” and a departure from the franchise’s campy legacy. (Ouch.)
2004: The Lip-Sync Scandal
At the Q Awards, Elton took another swipe, declaring:
“Anyone who lip-syncs in public on stage when you pay £75 to see them should be shot.”
Madonna’s camp denied the claims, but the war was on.
2012: The Lady Gaga & “Fairground Stripper” Drama
Things got nuclear when Madonna accused Lady Gaga of copying her style—prompting Elton (Gaga’s friend) to fire back, calling Madge a “fairground stripper” and declaring, “Her tour has been a disaster.” (Double ouch.)
In his memoir Me, Elton later admitted he “shouldn’t have said it”—but the damage was done.
The Road to Reconciliation
2013: A French Dinner Apology
The first signs of peace emerged when Elton sent Madonna an apology note at a French restaurant, which she accepted.
“We bought her dinner,” he told Extra. “That’s over and done with.”
2023: Madonna’s AIDS Tribute Touches Elton
Last year, Elton was “deeply moved” when Madonna honored AIDS victims during her Celebration Tour, thanking her for her decades of advocacy.
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2025: The SNL Hug Seen ‘Round the World
Now, with their Instagram lovefest and talk of a collaboration, it seems the feud is truly dead.
What’s Next? A Legendary Duet?
Madonna teased that Elton “wrote a song” for her—and fans are already losing it. Could a studio banger be coming? A joint tour? Only time will tell.
One thing’s for sure: If these two can make up after 23 years of shade, anything’s possible.
Stay tuned, pop fans.