Elton John ‘On Cloud Nine’ After 2024 Emmys Win Secures His EGOT: ‘So Deeply Grateful’
Elton John celebrated his newly minted EGOT status in a sentimental post on Monday night (Jan. 15) after an Emmys win for his Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodgers Stadium put the pop legend into rarified air.
“We won an Emmy and I am on cloud nine!! Receiving this recognition is a testament to the passion and dedication of everyone involved, and I am so deeply grateful,” John wrote in an Instagram post featuring the special’s poster and an image from his wild, piano-jumping 1970s heyday as an explanation for why he could not be there in person.
“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 (see pic 2!) – my heartfelt thanks go out to the @televisionacad and all those who took the time to vote. This award reflects the collective effort and creativity of an amazing team,” John added. One of the special’s executive producers, Gabe Turner, accepted the award on John’s behalf at the ceremony, noting that the 76-year-old singer had recently undergone a knee operation.
The Dodger Stadium special won the Primetime Emmy for outstanding variety special (live), making John the 19th performer to do a clean-sweep of the top entertainment awards (Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, Tony). Sir Elton is 76 years and nine months old, making him the second-oldest performer to complete the EGOT; English actor Sir John Gielgud was 87 years and four months when he completed the sweep in 1991.
John’s statement went on to thank streamer Disney+, as well as his partner and one of the special’s executive producers, David Furnish and others involved in the event. “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,” John wrote, also thanking the show’s special guests: Dua Lipa, Brandi Carlile and Kiki Dee, as well as his publicity-shy longtime lyricist, Bernie Taupin, who joined him on stage that night.
“Thank you to all the fans, friends, and collaborators who have supported me throughout the years,” he concluded. “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!” John’s post included a shower of congratulations from friends and fellow musicians, including well-wishes from fashion icon Donatella Versace, Public Enemy’s Flavor Flav, Maren Morris and Carlile.
See John’s post below.
Gil Kaufman
Billboard
