Recently, Madonna met with Elton John backstage after his captivating performance on Saturday Night Live, which aired on April 5, 2025. On April 7, she took to her official Instagram account to share a heartfelt photo of their reunion, marking the end of a long-standing rivalry. The image, showcasing them in an embrace, came with a powerful caption from Madonna:
“Forgiveness is a powerful tool. Within minutes. We were hugging.”
This significant meeting highlights a shift in their relationship as the iconic artists decided to prioritize their friendship over past disputes. In her Instagram post, Madonna also revealed that Elton had penned a song for her and expressed his desire to collaborate in the near future.
The Roots of Their Feud
The history of conflict between Madonna and Elton John dates back to 2002, when Elton criticized her song, Die Another Day. The tension escalated in 2004, when he publicly accused her of lip-syncing during an award acceptance speech. Throughout the 2000s, their rivalry became a hot topic in the entertainment world. However, this chapter of their lives appears to have concluded as they chose to “bury the hatchet”in 2025.
Elton John’s Response to the Reunion
In her enthusiastic Instagram announcement, Madonna noted that they had officially reconciled, exclaiming they had “finally buried the hatchet!!!”She praised Elton’s exceptional performance on SNL and reflected on a formative memory from her youth, recalling how she would sneak out to watch him perform in Detroit.
“Seeing him perform when I was in high school changed the course of my life,”she shared.
Madonna expressed how as a young girl, she often felt like an outsider. However, witnessing Elton’s artistry encouraged her to embrace her uniqueness and stand out, inspiring her to take unconventional paths in her career.
Forgiveness and Collaboration
She candidly admitted that it was painful for her to receive criticism from someone she admired so greatly. Recognizing Elton was the SNL musical guest prompted her to confront him directly. The post revealed that Elton was the first to seek her forgiveness when they met. After his apology, Madonna noted, “the wall”between them came crashing down.
“Then he told me had written a song for me and he wanted to collaborate. It was like everything came full circle!! And you can tell everybody, This is Your Song….”
In a heartfelt comment on her post, Elton responded:
“Thank you for coming to see me at SNL. And thank you for forgiving me and my big mouth.”
He acknowledged his previous statements about her and praised her groundbreaking contributions to music and advocacy for female artists. Elton remarked on her significant role in raising awareness during the HIV/AIDS crisis in the ’80s, bringing much-needed compassion to those in need.
“By pulling together, I’m hopeful that we can make great things happen for those who really need support. And have a lot of fun doing it!!”
Looking Ahead
With the thawing of their feud, both Madonna and Elton John seem eager to focus on future collaborations and initiatives. Their heartfelt reconciliation provides a reminder of the power of forgiveness and the ability to move forward positively. Fans can look forward to more updates as Saturday Night Live returns on April 12, 2025, exclusively on NBC.