Madonna and Elton - The Ultimate Diva Face-Off

The Feud Between Madonna and Elton John: A Story of Rivalry, Respect, and Growing Peace

Madonna and Elton John—two of the biggest names in music—each carved out their own paths to superstardom in ways that made them icons in their own right. Madonna’s knack for reinvention and pushing boundaries earned her the crown of the “Queen of Pop,” while Elton John’s ability to write timeless songs and create a bold, flamboyant persona made him a beloved figure across generations. But despite their legendary statuses, their relationship has been anything but smooth sailing. If you’ve ever followed the drama between them, you know that their feud has been one of the most talked-about in the celebrity world.

As a fan of both of them, I’ve always found it fascinating—partly because I understand how much they each mean to music and pop culture. Both are incredibly talented, and though they’ve clashed in the past, there’s a sense that things might be changing now. So, let’s dive into how it all started, how things got so heated, and how recent events hint at a possible truce between two of the greatest musical legends of our time.

Two of pop’s greatest icons—Madonna and Elton John—haven’t always seen eye to eye, but their rivalry is as legendary as their music.

The First Shots Fired: It All Started With Criticism

Like many famous rivalries, the Madonna-Elton feud started with a pretty simple comment. Back in the early 2000s, Elton, who had always been known for being outspoken, didn’t hold back when it came to talking about Madonna’s music. At the time, Madonna was riding high on the success of Confessions on a Dance Floor and had firmly cemented herself as a pop queen. But Elton? He wasn’t impressed.

In 2002, Elton referred to Madonna as a "fairground stripper" and called her music “rubbish.” That’s a pretty harsh criticism from someone who, for all his talent, had built his career on creating heartfelt, emotional music. To Elton, it seemed like Madonna’s focus wasn’t on the artistry of her music, but rather the spectacle of her image—something that didn’t sit well with him.

It wasn’t just that Madonna was a pop star; Elton was someone who’d always prided himself on the depth of his music, the emotional connection of his songs, and his ability to stay true to himself while evolving. Madonna’s chameleon-like approach to her career—and her ability to reinvent herself to stay relevant—wasn’t something Elton particularly admired. He saw it more as a savvy business move than anything else, and that rubbed him the wrong way.

Madonna, naturally, wasn’t one to just let this kind of criticism slide. She fired back at Elton’s remarks with her own sharp tongue. “I’m not going to take advice from someone whose biggest hit is a song about a candle in the wind,” she quipped. Ouch. This was a dig at Elton’s 1997 single “Candle in the Wind,” a tribute to Princess Diana. While it was a massive hit, Madonna seemed to think it was more of a commercial gesture than a meaningful piece of music.

And so, the stage was set for a full-blown feud. The media ate it up, and it seemed like both artists were ready to throw down any time they could. It was a clash of two big egos, two people who had always been used to being in control of their public image, and both were more than willing to go toe-to-toe in the press.

Neither party held back their thoughts on one another, with back and forth between the Queen of Pop and the Rocket Man for years."

A War of Words: Insults and Barbs

As the years went on, the feud between Madonna and Elton John escalated. There was no shortage of jabs thrown in interviews, concerts, and public appearances. Elton didn’t hold back, calling Madonna a “monster” in 2006 and mocking her for what he saw as her fake persona. “She’s a freak,” Elton said, slamming her for constantly being in the spotlight while making it seem like she was on a mission to save the world.

Elton also took issue with her public advocacy, especially when it came to her adopting children from Malawi. For him, it seemed like another stunt designed to get attention, rather than something born out of true, deep conviction. To him, Madonna was more about selling a brand than actually standing for something real.

Madonna, of course, was quick to fire back. In 2008, she mocked Elton for his public persona, suggesting that he was bitter and jealous of her success. This back-and-forth continued for a while, with both artists taking cheap shots whenever they could. The feud became a regular topic of gossip, as fans tried to figure out if the tension was real or just a bit of manufactured drama for the headlines.

But one thing was clear—both Madonna and Elton were deeply invested in their legacies. For Elton, his credibility as an artist was everything, and he didn’t like the idea of someone like Madonna, who was constantly evolving and changing her image, being seen as on par with him in the musical landscape. Madonna, on the other hand, was used to being in control of the narrative and didn’t appreciate being publicly dismissed by someone she probably saw as an equal.

The olive branch was extended and appears to have been reciprocated.

The Turning Point: A Softening of the Feud

As time went on, it became clear that the feud, while entertaining for fans, wasn’t something either of them was keen to keep up forever. In 2012, Elton made an unexpected move: he admitted that the whole feud had been “silly” and that some of the things he’d said were regrettable. “We both made our mistakes,” and acknowledged that maybe it was time to put the past behind them.

Madonna, too, began to soften her stance. In an interview that same year, she spoke more kindly about Elton, saying that despite their differences, she respected him as an artist. “I’ve had my moments with Elton, but I do admire him,” she said, which was a far cry from the biting comments she’d made in earlier years.

This was a pretty significant shift. Both had spent so much time criticizing each other in public that to see them acknowledge their past mistakes was a sign that maybe, just maybe, they were ready to move on. Sure, they weren’t suddenly best friends, but the tension seemed to be easing. They were mature enough to admit that, while they had different approaches to fame and music, they could still respect each other for their contributions.

A New Kind of Respect: Reconciliation in the 2020s

Fast-forward to the 2020s, and things have only continued to improve. Elton, who’s known for being pretty blunt, has openly praised Madonna on several occasions, even calling her “the ultimate icon” and acknowledging her impact on the music world. Madonna, in turn, has expressed admiration for Elton’s musical genius and his status as a trailblazer.

Their interactions have become much more civil, and while they’re still not exactly best buddies, there’s a newfound respect between them. One of the most telling moments came when Madonna attended one of Elton’s fundraising galas for his AIDS Foundation. It was a big gesture, and one that spoke volumes about how far their relationship had come. They were able to support each other’s causes, despite their past differences.

It’s clear now that both artists have moved on from the bitterness of the past. While there may still be occasional tension or playful digs, it feels like the hostility of their earlier interactions is behind them.

Conclusion: Two Legends, One Legacy

As a fan of both Madonna and Elton John, I can’t help but admire both of them for the incredible contributions they’ve made to music and culture. Their rivalry was, in many ways, a product of their big personalities and even bigger egos. But looking back, I think both have grown in ways that allow them to appreciate each other’s impact on the world, even if they don’t always agree with each other.

On April 7th, 2025, it seemed the long-standing rift had finally come to an end when Madonna revealed on her social media that she had attended Elton John's concert and gone backstage afterwards. The Queen of Pop was reportedly greeted by Elton with the words, "Forgive me." Moments later, the two were seen embracing and posing together for a photo — a powerful symbol of reconciliation.

Madonna and Elton John reunite backstage — ending years of tension with a warm embrace

Their feud will always be a part of pop culture history, but it’s clear that both are at a point now where respect and mutual admiration have replaced the sharp barbs. They’ve each built legacies that have shaped music in immeasurable ways, and it’s nice to see that, even if they’ll never be the best of friends, they can at least coexist with a sense of respect.

In the end, the music world is big enough for both Madonna and Elton to shine, and their ability to work through their differences is just another example of their enduring power. Here’s hoping that this newfound peace lasts—and that we can all keep celebrating the brilliance of both of them, no matter the drama of the past.

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About the Author

Written by Natalie Knight, a lifelong Madonna fan and tribute act from the UK. With years of dedication to embodying the Queen of Pop, Natalie has also had the honour of performing alongside Elton John in several high-profile arena shows across the UK.

Discover more about Natalie’s performances at www.madonnabyknight.co.uk.