LONDON, Oct 5 (AFP) - Elton John launched a scathing verbal attack on Madonna during an award ceremony in which he accused her of cheating her fans by lip-synching on stage.
Attending the Q Awards in central London late Monday to collect a prize for his songwriting, Elton, 56, was incensed to find the Queen of Pop had been nominated for best live act.
Taking to the stage, Sir Elton blasted: "Madonna - best f live act? F off.
"Since when has lip-synching been live?" he asked. "Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay 75 pounds (134 dollars, 109 euros) 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, nominated for her Reinvention tour, did not clinch the award -- that honour went to British band Muse.
Monday's outburst at the Grosvenor House Hotel came after another in Taiwan last month, when John branded Taiwanese photographers "rude, vile pigs" in an airport bust-up.
Madonna's US spokeswoman Liz Rosenberg flatly rejected John's accusations, saying in a statement: "Madonna does not lip-synch nor does she spend her time trashing other artists.
"She sang every note of her Reinvention tour live and is not ashamed that she was well paid for her hard work."
And the 46-year-old star showed she was not taking Sir Elton's remarks too seriously. "Elton John remains on her Christmas card list whether he is nice... or naughty," the statement added.
Madonna's Reinvention tour, replete with pumping dance routines and yoga displays, came to Britain in August. It has attracted criticism for its pricey tickets -- seats cost a minimum of 75 pounds, going up to 160 pounds for prime spots.