Elton John Accuses Janet Jackson of Lip-Syncing: 'F**k Off'
Elton John is back at it. After calling out Madonna for lip-syncing more than a decade ago, the “Rocket Man” has taken aim at another pop megastar: Janet Jackson.
“You know, fucking music magazines writing a review of Janet Jackson saying, ‘This is the greatest show—four and a half stars,'” he told Rolling Stone. “It’s fucking lip-synced! Hello! That’s not a show! I’d rather go and see a drag queen. Fuck off.”
His comments are somewhat surprising considering he collaborated with Jackson on “I Know the Truth” off 1999’s concept album Elton John and Tim Rice’s Aida.
In 2004, John said something similar about Madonna at the Q Awards. “Madonna, best live act? Fuck off,” he said. “Since when has lip-syncing been live? Sorry about that, but I think everyone who lip-syncs on stage in public when you pay like 75 quid to see them should be shot. Thank you very much. That’s me off her Christmas card list, but do I give a toss? No.”
During the interview, John also talked about Janet’s brother, Michael, while saying he’s grateful to British tabloids.
“In a way, I’m grateful to them,” he explained. “Americans sort of think of their stars as royalty and give them an easy ride. Elvis Presley would never have happened in England because he wouldn’t have been able to hide away. Michael Jackson, Anna Nicole Smith—the British are so ‘Oh, get a fucking grip.’ They’re so hard on you.”
Janet Jackson is gearing up to resume her “Unbreakable World Tour,” starting March 26 at the Dubai World Cup. From there, she will play shows in Europe and the U.S., wrapping Aug. 28 in Cleveland, Ohio.