LONDON, Oct. 5 (UPI) -- Elton John criticized Madonna by publicly accusing the pop diva of lip-synching during her recent re-Invention Tour, E! Online reported Tuesday.
John made his negative comments Monday at the British Q Awards in London, where he was picking up a songwriting honor and where Madonna was nominated for best live act.
"Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay 75 pounds ($134) to see them should be shot. Madonna, best (expletive) live act? (Expletive) off. Since when has lip-synching been live? That's me off her (expletive) Christmas card list but do I give a toss? No," John said from the stage in front of the 400-member audience.
Madonna, through a spokeswoman, was quick to retort.
"Madonna does not lip-synch nor does she spend her time trashing other artists. She sang every note on 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," Liz Rosenberg said.
Madonna lost in the best live act category to Muse.
