Madonna has "forgiven" Sir Elton John for calling her a "fairground stripper".

The 54-year-old singer dedicated her song 'Masterpiece' - which won a Golden Globe award earlier this year - to the British star while performing in the French city of Nice on Tuesday, saying the pair had to "start somewhere" to end their long-running feud.

She told the crowd: "I know he's a big fan of it. And I know he's a big fan of mine. And you know? I forgive him. Gotta start somewhere."

There has been no love lost between the pair in recent months, with Elton initially furious after Madonna won the Golden Globe over his song 'Hello Hello' from his movie 'Gnomeo and Juliet', and his partner David Furnish branding her as "desperate".

Then recently Elton hit out at her recent MDNA tour, slamming her appearance and career choices.

He said: "Why is she such a nightmare? Sorry, her career is over. Her tour has been a disaster and it couldn't happen to a bigger ****.

"If Madonna had any common sense she would have made a record like 'Ray of Light' and stayed away from the dance stuff and just been a great pop singer and make great pop records, which she does brilliantly.