Madonna references Gaga song controversy in rehearsals

Madonna looks set to acknowledge the similarities between Lady Gaga's hit Born This Way and her track Express Yourself during her upcoming world tour - she has been caught on camera performing a medley of the tunes at rehearsals.

The pop superstar's MDNA trek kicks off in Tel Aviv, Israel on Thursday (31May12) and she has been working on the stage spectacular for months.

Madonna practised her routines over the weekend (26-27May12) and footage taken of the rehearsal shows the superstar singing her hit Express Yourself before launching into a rendition of Gaga's track Born This Way.

The Poker Face hitmaker came under fire following the release of the title track from her second album last year (11) after critics and fans pointed out the tune's melody is almost identical to that of the Material Girl's classic.

Addressing the copying accusations, Madonna subsequently admitted, "I thought, this is a wonderful way to redo my song. I mean, I recognised the chord changes. I thought it was... interesting."