ELTON JOHN - SIR ELTON: 'MADONNA SHOULD BE SHOT FOR MIMING'

Pop legend SIR ELTON JOHN launched an astonishing attack on MADONNA at today's (04OCT04) Q MUSIC AWARDS in London - accusing her of cheating fans by miming on stage.

John launched into a rant when he heard the MATERIAL GIRL had been nominated for Best Live Act, after he collected the Classic Songwriter prize at the prestigious bash in the Grosvenor House Hotel.

He said of his fellow nominee, "Anyone who lip-synchs in public on stage when you pay GBP75 to see them should be shot.

"That's me off her Christmas card list. But do I give a toss? No."

Madonna's spokeswoman LIZ ROSENBERG struck back immediately, insisting, "Madonna does not lip-synch nor does she spend her time trashing other artists.

"She sang every note of 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 where he is nice... or naughty."

Other Q Award winners include MUSE, RAZORLIGHT, JAMELIA and KEANE.

BRYAN FERRY was met by muffled boos are he dedicated ROXY MUSIC's Lifetime Achievement Award to his "brave" 21-year-old son OTIS, who was arrested last month (SEP04) after storming into the House of Commons to protest the British Government's anti-fox hunting bill.

The full list of Q Award winners is as follows:

Best New Act - RAZORLIGHT

Best Live Act - MUSE

Best Live Act - MUSE

Q Merit Award - SHANE McGOWAN

Q Merit Award - SHANE McGOWAN

Q Innovation and Sound Award - HUMAN LEAGUE

Q Innovation and Sound Award - HUMAN LEAGUE

Q Inspiration Award - PET SHOP BOYS

Best Act in the World Today - RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

Best Act in the World Today - RED HOT CHILI PEPPERS

Q Classic Songwriter award - SIR ELTON JOHN

Q Icon Award - U2

Q Lifetime Achievement Award - ROXY MUSIC.