Madonna and Elton John have officially reconciled, marking the end of their long-standing feud, which has spanned over two decades. This unexpected turn of events took place over the weekend following John's performance as the musical guest on Saturday Night Live alongside Brandi Carlile.
The relationship between the two iconic musicians has been fraught since the early 2000s, sparked in part by John's unflattering remarks regarding Madonna's track Die Another Day, which he labelled as "the worst Bond tune ever." The tensions continued to escalate at various public events, including the 2004 Q Awards, where John audibly ridiculed Madonna’s nomination for Best Live Act, questioning the authenticity of her performances by stating, “Since when has lip-syncing been live?” His comments drew attention not only for their bluntness but for the fact they marked the public beginning of their bitter exchanges.
In a heartfelt Instagram post shared on Monday, Madonna revealed that she decided to confront John backstage after learning he would be performing on SNL. The 66-year-old singer recounted an experience from her youth when she attended one of John's concerts, stating, “It was an unforgettable performance that helped me understand the transformative power of music." She admitted that it had long hurt her to know that someone she admired expressed public disdain for her artistry.
Reflecting on their reunion, Madonna recounted, "When I met him, the first thing out of his mouth was, ‘Forgive Me,’ and the wall between us fell down.” She conveyed that the moment felt cathartic, saying, “Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Within minutes, we were hugging.” Not only did they share a warm embrace, but John also disclosed that he had written a song for her and wanted to collaborate, further suggesting the potential for renewed camaraderie between the two icons.
Elton John, 78, responded to Madonna’s post in the comments, thanking her for attending his performance and expressing remorse for his past remarks. He acknowledged the importance of her contributions to the music industry, particularly her trailblazing efforts for female artists and her advocacy during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the 1980s. John expressed a desire for both of them to work together to support communities that are currently under threat, stating, “I’m grateful we can move forward. I’m increasingly distressed by all the divisiveness in our world at the moment.”
Source: Noah Wire Services