Feuds are one thing. When it happens between two of music’s biggest stars, it’s a royal rumble. The bad blood between Elton John and Madonna is perhaps one of the most epic in modern pop-culture history.
It all started when the “Rocket Man” singer threw shade at the Queen of Pop in 2004 at the Q Awards, an annual music award show put on by United Kingdom-based Q magazine. John was honored with the Q Classic Songwriting Award, and rocked the music world during his acceptance speech when he questioned Madonna’s nomination for best live act.
“Since when has lip-synching been live?” John said of his former friend at the time. “Sorry about that, but I think everyone who lip-synchs on stage in public when you pay like 75 quid to see them should be shot. Thank you very much. That’s me off her [expletive] Christmas card list, but do I give a toss? No.”
The Material Girl lost to Muse, and her team went on the defense. Spokesperson Liz Rosenberg released a statement that read, “Madonna does not lip-synch nor does she spend her time trashing other artists. She sang every note of her Re-Invention tour live and is not ashamed that she was well paid for her hard work … Elton John remains on her Christmas card list whether he is nice … or naughty.”
But the eight-time Grammy winner wasn’t done dissing the pop superstar. During an interview with Australia’s Channel 7 on August 5, 2012, John said of Madonna, “She’s such a nightmare … Her career is over, I can tell you that. Her tour has been a disaster and it couldn’t happen to a bigger [expletive].”
“If Madonna had any common sense, she would have made a record like Ray of Light, stayed away from the dance stuff, and just been a great pop singer and made great pop records, which she does brilliantly. But no, she had to prove that she was like…,” John continued. “And she looks like a [expletive] fairground stripper.”
Us Weekly’s Famous Feuds’ Friday episode will feature an in-depth look the strained relationship. The episode will also explore the drama between ex-BFFs Paris Hilton and Nicole Richie. Watch an exclusive sneak peek of the episode above.
Us Weekly’s Famous Feuds airs on REELZ Fridays at 9 p.m. ET.
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