Do You Think Joni Mitchell Still Dislike Madonna?

2026-08-14T17:42:01Z

She is very infamously always very scathing towards Madonna, even though Madonna cited her as one of her idols and inspiration.

Joni publicly tears apart Madonna in 1991 publication of Rolling Stone saying;

“Music has become burlesque over the last few years – video’s done that. Every generation has to be more shocking than the last. But at a certain point, you’ve got to reel it in because decadence ultimately isn’t that hip. Our country is going down the tubes from it. It’s rotten to the core. And I think women can be more than decorative.”

Then, directly: “Yet someone like Madonna can be seen as a feminist hero because she’s exploiting her own sexuality rather than being exploited by some man. That’s an interesting idea, but what’s the difference between her and a hard hooker, you know? Who’s being exploited there? She’s revelling in herself, too. But she can take it. I guess that’s what it is. It’s just being able to take it, you know.”

And it does not end there.

Mitchell went on to describe Madonna as a “terrible role model” and a “*****”. “She’s got that *****-Madonna thing built-in [laughs]. She’s like a living Barbie doll but a little bit on the blue side. There’s always been that type of female. There’s always been a market for it, but the danger is that she thinks she’s a role model. And it’s a terrible role model. It’s death to all things real.”

Nearly two decades later, Mitchell’s position had not softened. Speaking to the Los Angeles Times in 2010, she returned to the same theme. “In a way, I think I entered straight into my tragedian period, as my work is set against the stupid, destructive way we live on this planet. Americans have decided to be stupid and shallow since 1980. Madonna is like Nero; she marks the turning point.”

Source: https://whynow.co.uk/read/joni-mitchell-madonna-feud-quotes

There hasn't been any news about it since, hence this thread. Could her perspective the same or has changed since, especially since Joni seems to actually respect other female pop star. Such as Lady Gaga, or Cher. She even reportedly called Gaga personally to guide her, and even offers to collaborate with her.

https://jonimitchell.com/library/view.cfm?id=2770

And what do you think of Joni's criticism on Madonna? Is it valid?