Madonna and Elton John End Their Feud After Two Decades — “We Finally Buried the Hatchet”
Two of pop music’s most iconic legends have finally found peace. After more than 20 years of public tension and cutting remarks, Madonna and Sir Elton John have officially reconciled — and they might even be heading into the studio together.
In a heartfelt Instagram post, Madonna revealed she had made amends with Elton John backstage at Saturday Night Live, where the British superstar performed alongside Brandi Carlile. The emotional moment, she said, included a long-overdue hug, an apology, and a surprising invitation.
“We finally buried the hatchet,” Madonna wrote. “He asked me to forgive him and told me he had written a song for me. He wants to collaborate.”
From Admiration to Feud — and Now, Forgiveness
The pair’s long-standing rift began back in 2002, when Elton slammed Madonna’s Die Another Day Bond theme as “the worst Bond tune ever.” Two years later, he publicly ridiculed her at the Q Awards, shouting: “Madonna, best live act? F*** off,” and accused her of lip-syncing during her performances.
The remarks stung deeply for Madonna, who admitted she had once idolized Elton John. Recalling sneaking out to see him perform live as a teenager in Detroit, she credited that night as life-changing.
“Watching him on stage helped me to understand that it was OK to be different, to stand out, to take the road less travelled. In fact, it was essential.”
Despite her admiration, the hostility over the years created a deep rift. But witnessing his recent SNL performance moved Madonna to attend the show in person — and led to an unexpected turning point.
A New Chapter
John, who recently collaborated with Carlile on Who Believes in Angels?, reportedly approached Madonna backstage and offered a sincere apology for his “big mouth.” In a follow-up Instagram post, he expressed gratitude for her forgiveness.
“I’m not proud of what I said,” he wrote. “Madonna’s advocacy for HIV/Aids and her groundbreaking work have paved the way for an entire generation of female artists.”
He also pointed to the urgency of unity in today’s divisive world, noting how both he and Madonna have been embraced by communities currently facing global threats.
“I’m grateful we can move forward. I hope we can make great things happen together.”
Though nothing has been confirmed yet, fans are already speculating that the long-anticipated Madonna-Elton John collaboration might be just around the corner.
As two artists who have not only shaped music history but also fought for marginalized communities, their reunion signals more than just the end of a feud — it’s a celebration of reconciliation, legacy, and the power of growth.