Songwriter Toby Gad has revealed a fiery studio argument with Madonna. The clash occurred during sessions for her 2015 album, ‘Rebel Heart’. It involved a heated exchange over her vocal performance.
According to the Daily Star, Gad pushed the Queen of Pop for a more emotional take. This direct criticism initially sparked a foul-mouthed reaction from the superstar. The incident highlights the intense creative process behind the album.

Foul-Mouthed Exchange Forged Intense Friendship
Gad felt he could elicit a stronger vocal from the performer. He told her to put more heart and soul into the recording. Madonna’s immediate response was to swear and refuse to continue singing.
The songwriter then swore back, insisting she perform the track again. This tense confrontation ultimately broke the ice between them. It transformed their working relationship into a deep and wonderful friendship.
Songwriter’s History of High-Profile Studio Tensions
This was not Gad’s only difficult studio experience. He also recalled a challenging 2012 session with British singer Paloma Faith. She bluntly told him his songs were “really s***,” nearly leading to her ejection from the studio.
He also panicked when Fergie nearly cut ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ from her album. The track was missing from an online listing before release. It was later included and became a globally loved fourth single.
The revealing account shows how a Madonna studio clash can fuel creativity. These behind-the-scenes tensions often lead to artistic breakthroughs. The result was a successful album and an unexpected friendship.

Thought you’d like to know
What did Toby Gad and Madonna argue about?
They argued over her vocal performance. Gad wanted more emotion and heart in the recording. Madonna initially reacted badly to his direct criticism.
Did Madonna and Toby Gad resolve their conflict?
Yes, the argument ultimately improved their relationship. The clash broke the ice and built mutual respect. It led to an intense and wonderful friendship.
Which album were they working on during the clash?
The incident occurred during sessions for ‘Rebel Heart’. This was Madonna’s thirteenth studio album. It was released in 2015.
Has Toby Gad had conflicts with other artists?
Yes, he also had a difficult session with Paloma Faith. He nearly kicked her out of the studio after her criticism. He also experienced panic when Fergie nearly dropped one of his songs.
What was the outcome of the ‘Big Girls Don’t Cry’ situation?
The song was almost omitted from Fergie’s album ‘The Dutchess’. Gad was relieved to find it on the final tracklist. It became a hugely successful fourth single.
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