After receiving an Emmy last night for his Farewell Yellow Brick Road live-streamed Disney+ performance, Elton John officially became a "EGOT" star. After his victory was declared, the 76-year-old artist sent a statement on Instagram.
"We won an Emmy, and I am on cloud nine!!" Elton wrote on Monday, January 15.
"Receiving this recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved, and I am so deeply grateful."
The "Cold Heart" singer gave an explanation for his absence from the Emmy ceremony in order to accept the award for Outstanding Variety Special (Live).
"Whilst I am gutted that I couldn't be there to accept this award in person - I recently underwent a knee operation, a gentle reminder, perhaps, of a lifetime spent jumping off pianos - my heartfelt thanks go out to the [Television Academy] and all those who took the time to vote," the "Hold Me Closer" singer continued.
"This award reflects the collective effort and creativity of an amazing team. ... A special acknowledgment goes to the exceptional band and the entire crew of the Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour. Your commitment and talent have always been the driving force that keeps our incredible fans entertained night after night. ... Thank you to all the fans, friends, and collaborators who have supported me throughout the years. Honoured to have joined the hallowed ranks of EGOT winners, here's to the joy of music and the magic it brings to our lives!"
In addition to accepting the composer's award on Elton's behalf, Ben Wilson, a partner at the production business he worked with on his show, mentioned that he was healing nicely after knee surgery. Ben referred to Elton John's music as "the soundtrack to all of our lives" throughout his address.
"We knew this show would be historic because it was going to be Elton's last-ever show in North America on tour," Ben said.
"We knew it would be historic because it was Disney's first-ever live global stream. We didn't know it was going to be historic because it was going to win a man who created the soundtrack to all of our lives. We didn't know it was going to win him an EGOT. Thank you so much. We are so grateful."
In late 2022, Elton John's Disney+ special, Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium, was released on the streaming service.
The "Tiny Dancer" artist's five-decade performance career came to an end with this tour. He isn't quitting the music industry, though.
The live broadcast was captured from Los Angeles' Dodger Stadium, where Elton performed while dressed in his famous baseball uniform. The singer of "Rocket Man" made the decision to halt his tour in order to prioritize spending time with his family. Zachary and Elijah, his boys, are shared by him and his spouse, David Furnish.
An elite group in the entertainment industry is the EGOT, which is made up of people who have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, or Tony. Out of all the celebrities who have starred in films throughout Hollywood history, just 19, including Elton John, have won an Oscar:
- Richard Rodgers
- Rita Moreno
- Helen Hayes
- John Gielgud
- Audrey Hepburn
- Marvin Hamlisch
- Jonathan Tunick
- Mike Nichols
- Mel Brooks
- Whoopi Goldberg
- Scott Rudin
- Robert Lopez
- Tim Rice
- John Legend
- Andrew Lloyd Webber
- Alan Menken
- Jennifer Hudson
- Viola Davis
