Biden shocks tearful Sir Elton John with Humanities Award
After concert at the White House for US president and ‘history makers’, the 'flabbergasted' Brit popstar received special honour
British pop star Sir Elton John sings for his White House supper. EPA
The event was presented in collaboration with A+E Networks and The History Channel and called 'A Night When Hope and History Rhyme'. Bloomberg
Elton John on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Friday. Bloomberg
President Joe Biden announces he is going to present Elton John with the National Humanities Medal after a concert on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. (AP Photo / Susan Walsh)
Sir Elton was overcome with emotion at the unexpected announcement. AFP
President Joe Biden presents Elton John with the National Humanities Medal after the concert. AP
Elton John after accepting the National Humanities Medal from US President Joe Biden. Reuters
Mr Biden lauded Sir Elton for his charitable work with the Elton John Aids Foundation. Reuters
Sir Elton told first lady Jill Biden that he was absolutely 'flabbergasted'. AP
Jill Biden applauds as US President Joe Biden embraces Sir Elton John during the event at the White House in Washington. UPI
Joe Biden looks on as Jill Biden embraces Elton John. UPI
Sir Elton was visibly taken aback by the honour. Bloomberg
Sir Elton, who performed for former president Bill Clinton in 1998, has repeatedly demanded that Donald Trump not use his music at campaign rallies. AP
David Furnish greets Sir Elton, his partner, after President Biden presented the award. AP
Paul Buccieri, president and chairman of A+E Networks Group and Mr listen as Elton John performs one of his many hit songs. AP
David Furnish, Sir Elton John, President Joe Biden and Jill Biden. AP
Joe Biden and his wife Jill are not shy about demonstrating affection in public. Bloomberg
The concert venue on the White House South Lawn in Washington. AFP
The Bidens arrive for the concert. Reuters
Not only is Billie Jean King, in blue, part of the Elton John Aids Foundation, the pop star also wrote 'Philadelphia Freedom' for her in 1975. AP
Former British prime minister Tony Blair, left, with US President Bill Clinton, right, thanking Elton John and Stevie Wonder after the duo performed at the White House State Dinner on, February 5, 1998. PA
Those attending on the South Lawn of the White House included teachers, first responders and veterans, as well as Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former first lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush Hager, singer Anna Kendrick, activist Malala Yousafzai and tennis legend Billie Jean King.
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"Elton once said, 'Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for just a few hours'," Ms Biden said in opening remarks.
"We’re here tonight to once again lose ourselves and be brought together, perhaps even healed, by the power of music."
The event signals the return of A-list celebrities to Washington after a four-year, Trump-inspired backlash.
Sir Elton, 75, avoided the Trump White House, starting with the Republican’s 2017 inauguration.
The British musician said he did not think it was appropriate for someone with his heritage to play at the swearing-in of an American president.
"Elton found his voice … to help others and help them find their voice," Mr Biden said.
"Elton often talked about how American music changed his life and how the different genres and sounds influenced his own music and imagination.
"It’s clear Elton John’s music has changed our lives. And to Elton, on behalf of the American people, thank you — and I sincerely mean this — thank you for moving the soul of our nation."
After belting out some of his biggest hits, including Tiny Dancer, Rocketman, Your Song and I’m Still Standing, Sir Elton received seven standing ovations.
But when the Bidens surprised the singer with the National Humanities Medal, the Grammy Award-winning star was moved to tears and was nearly speechless.
Sir Elton John performs during his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour at the Smoothie King Centre in New Orleans, Louisiana, on January 19, 2022. AFP
Sir Elton and television personality Sir David Frost are presented to Queen Elizabeth II at Windsor in 1977. PA
Queen Elizabeth meets Sir Elton backstage at the Diamond Jubilee Concert 2022 outside Buckingham Palace, London. PA
The singer-songwriter wearing a pair of his flamboyant trademark spectacles in 1974. Getty Images
Princess Margaret with Sir Elton at an event in 1974. Getty Images
Singer Britney Spears and Sir Elton attend the 21st Elton John Aids Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party at Pacific Design Centre in West Hollywood, California. Getty Images / AFP
Sir Elton, in a fur coat and metallic boots with flared trousers, poses in the bar of the London Palladium during rehearsals for the Royal Variety Performance in October 1972. Getty Images
Sir Elton performs at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, California, in 1975. Terry / Iconic Images
Sir Elton performs at the Hammersmith Odeon in London in 1982. Getty Images
Sir Elton with Renate Blauel on their wedding day at St Mark's Church in Sydney, Australia, on February 14, 1984. Getty Images
Sir Elton attends the FA Cup Final at Wembley Stadium, London, on May 19, 1984. Getty Images
Sir Elton with David Beckham and Italian singer Zucchero Fornaciari during Versace's autumn/winter 1998-99 show in Milan, Italy. EPA
Sir Elton leaves a New York City concert on July 27, 1999. Getty Images
Sir Elton performs with rapper Eminem at the 2001 Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles on February 21, 2001. Getty Images
Sir Elton at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas, Nevada, in 2005. Getty Images
Sir Elton and Elizabeth Hurley attend a Chopard party during the 59th International Cannes Film Festival in 2006. Getty Images
Jon Bon Jovi and Sir Elton attend the Mojo Honours List awards at Shoreditch Town Hall in London. Getty Images
The crocodile detail on the back of Sir Elton's suit during a performance in Sydney, Australia. Getty Images
Sir Elton performs at Emirates Palace, Abu Dhabi, on January 22, 2008. Joseph J Capellan / ADMC
Sir Elton after being made a member of the Order of the Companions of Honour for services to Music and to Charity during an investiture ceremony at Windsor Castle on November 10, 2021. Getty Images
Sir Elton wanders through Portofino, Italy, on August 12, 2008. Getty Images
Sir Elton and David Furnish attend the wedding of Prince William and Catherine at Westminster Abbey, London, on April 29, 2011. Getty Images
Sir Elton performs during Queen Elizabeth's diamond jubilee concert at Buckingham Palace, London, on June 4, 2012. Getty Images
Ed Sheeran and Sir Elton pose backstage during the 55th Annual Grammy Awards at the Staples Centre in Los Angeles, California, on February 9, 2013. WireImage
Sir Elton performs at 2015 Rock in Rio in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on September 20, 2015. Getty Images
David Furnish and Sir Elton leave St George's Chapel at Windsor Castle after the wedding of Meghan Markle and Prince Harry on May 19, 2018. Getty Images
Sir Elton and Taron Egerton attend a Rocketman photocall during the 72nd Annual Cannes Film Festival on May 16, 2019. Getty Images
The 'Rocketman' detail on the back of Sir Elton's suit at the film's Cannes Film Festival premiere in May 2019. Getty Images
Sir Elton attends the European premiere of The Lion King at Odeon Luxe Leicester Square on July 14, 2019. Getty Images
Sir Elton performs at the A Day On The Green music festival in Geelong, Australia, on December 7, 2019. EPA
Sir Elton performs at Mission Estate, New Zealand, on February 6, 2020. Getty Images
Sir Elton pays tribute to Billie Jean King during the Laureus World Sports Awards 2021 Virtual Award Ceremony on May 6, 2021. Getty Images
"I just said to the first lady, 'I’m never flabbergasted', but I’m flabbergasted and humbled and honoured by this incredible award from the United States of America," said Sir Elton.
"Your kindness — America’s kindness to me as a musician is second to none. But in the war against Aids and HIV, it’s even bigger.
"And I can’t thank you enough. I’m really — I’m really emotional about this.
Sir Elton also took a moment to talk about the continued work through the Elton John Aids Foundation.
“Since I founded the Foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I made a commitment not to leave anyone behind and will continue on this mission,” he said.
“We are striving for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from Aids, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition like this brings us a step closer to making that a reality.”
It was this first White House gig since he performed with Stevie Wonder at a state dinner in 1998 to honour US president Bill Clinton and UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair.
Sir Elton is on a farewell tour that began in July after more than 50 years of performing.
A&E's stars-studded History Talks event in Washington -- in pictures
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and actor husband George Clooney arrive at HistoryTalks in Washington.
Chef and philanthropist Jose Andres arrives at the HistoryTalks speaker series for a one-hour discussion along with former US president Bill Clinton and actor Tom Hanks, moderated by Mr Clinton's daughter, Chelsea, on Saturday at DAR Constitution Hall, Washington. All photos: AP
Education rights activist and Nobel Peace Prize winner Malala Yousafzai arrives at HistoryTalks on Saturday.
Ms Yousafzai at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington.
US TV personality Gayle King at HistoryTalks.
US TV personality Gayle King at HistoryTalks.
Tennis star sisters Venus, left, and Serena Williams at HistoryTalks on Saturday.
Actress Anna Kendrick on the HistoryTalks red carpet.
Actress Anna Kendrick on the HistoryTalks red carpet.
Human rights lawyer Amal Clooney and actor husband George Clooney arrive at HistoryTalks in Washington.
US author Doris Kearns Goodwin at HistoryTalks.
US author Doris Kearns Goodwin at HistoryTalks.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King arrives for the speaker series on Saturday.
Tennis legend Billie Jean King arrives for the speaker series on Saturday.
Actor Bradley Cooper arrives.
Actor Bradley Cooper arrives.
Actress Julia Roberts at HistoryTalks on Saturday.
Moderator Chelsea Clinton arrives at HistoryTalks to keep control of her father, former president Bill Clinton, actor Tom Hanks and philanthropist chef Jose Andres.
Ms Clinton arrives at HistoryTalks.
Canadian filmmaker David Furnish arrives at HistoryTalks on Saturday.
Canadian filmmaker David Furnish arrives at HistoryTalks on Saturday.
US photojournalist Pete Souza.
US photojournalist Pete Souza.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and academic Marcia Chatelain.
Pulitzer Prize-winning author and academic Marcia Chatelain.
Haitian-American actress Garcelle Beauvais arrives at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington.
Haitian-American actress Garcelle Beauvais arrives at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington.