Elton hits out at miming Madonna

Elton John launched a vitriolic attack on Madonna today, accusing her of cheating fans by miming on stage.

The star targeted the Queen of Pop in his latest public outburst.

Attending the Q Awards to pick up a prize for his songwriting, John was incensed to find Madonna had been nominated for best live act.

Taking to the stage, John blasted: “Madonna – best f****** live act? F*** off. Since when has lip-synching been live?

“Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay £75 to see them should be shot.”

He ended his rant by saying: “That’s me off her f****** Christmas card list but do I give a toss? No.”

Madonna did not win the award – that honour went to British band Muse. Madonna was nominated for her Reinvention tour. The show attracted criticism in some quarters because tickets were so expensive.

Today’s outburst at the Grosvenor House Hotel in Central London came after John hit the headlines last month by branding Taiwanese photographers “rude, vile pigs” in an airport bust-up.

Tonight Madonna hit back at John and denied miming to any songs on the tour. Her US spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg said in a statement: “She sang every note of her Reinvention tour live and is not ashamed that she was well paid for her hard work.”

But the 46-year-old star showed she was not taking Sir Elton’s remarks too seriously.

Madonna’s Reinvention tour came to Slane Castle in August and she was criticised for the brevity of her performance.