This is by Elton John world and we just live in it! Following his epic collaborations with the two princesses of pop Doua Lipa and Britney Spearsthe legendary 75-year-old British singer-songwriter, was surprised with a National Humanities Medal by President Joe Biden at the White House Friday night (September 23). Elton had tears in his eyes as the President and First Lady Jill Biden took the stage to present him with the honor after his electrifying performance on the South Lawn.
“I am never flabbergasted, but I am flabbergasted, humbled and honored by this incredible award from the United States of America,” said Elton, overcome with emotion, by The Washington Post. “I will cherish this so much.”
The Grammy winner, who was invited to DC by the President to honor his global fight against HIV/AIDS, praised America’s “kindness to me as a musician,” calling it “unparalleled and vowed to continue his efforts to eradicate the disease.
“We are joined by so many that he is free to be himself, to be treated with the dignity and respect he deserves,” Biden said, according to the outlet. “Families and Advocates in the Fight Against HIV/AIDS. A fight he fought with sheer willpower, a fight for those lost lives and those we can save. Leaders who champion equality for all, no matter who you are or who you love.
During the concert entitled “A Night When Hope and History Rhyme”, which was part of Elton’s farewell tour after a 50-year career, the musician performed a number of hit songs, including “Your Song “, “Tiny Dancer”, “Rocket Dude”, “Crocodile Rock” and “I’m Still Up”.
Among the 2,000 guests who were invited to the event was the former first lady Laura Buissontennis champion Billie Jean Kinghouse tenant Nancy Pelositransport secretary Pete Buttigieg and Elton’s husband, David Furnish.
Elton’s last White House performance was in 1998, when he starred alongside Stevie Wonder at a state dinner for the then British Prime Minister Tony Blair led by former president bill clinton.