Sir Elton John cemented his place in entertainment history on Sunday night, winning an Emmy Award to complete the coveted EGOT – winning an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony Award over a celebrated career spanning more than 50 years.
An Emotional Moment Caps a Storied Career
John won the Emmy for Outstanding Variety Special (Pre-Recorded) for “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” which was televised on Disney+ in November. The iconic musician did not attend the ceremony due to a recent hip surgery, but was overjoyed when the award was announced.
“I cannot believe I’ve completed the EGOT. So thrilled!!” John tweeted after learning of the win. His husband, David Furnish, accepted the award on his behalf, thanking John’s long-time lyricist Bernie Taupin as well as their two sons.
The 75-year-old John previously won a Grammy Award for Best Pop Collaboration with Vocals for “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart” in 2002, an Academy Award for Best Original Song for “Can You Feel the Love Tonight” from “The Lion King” in 1995, and a Tony Award for Best Original Score for “Aida” in 2000.
The Rare Company of EGOT Winners
In winning the coveted quartet of awards, John joins rare company – only 19 total entertainers can claim that they have won an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony over their careers.
John is the first new member of the EGOT club in nearly four years, when composer Alan Menken achieved the feat in 2020. Other notable EGOT winners include Mel Brooks, Audrey Hepburn, Whoopi Goldberg, Andrew Lloyd Webber and John Legend.
| EGOT Club Members |
|---|
| Richard Rodgers |
| Helen Hayes |
| Rita Moreno |
| John Gielgud |
| Audrey Hepburn |
| Marvin Hamlisch |
| Jonathan Tunick |
| Mel Brooks |
| Mike Nichols |
| Whoopi Goldberg |
| Scott Rudin |
| Robert Lopez |
| John Legend |
| Andrew Lloyd Webber |
| Tim Rice |
| Alan Menken |
| Jennifer Hudson |
| Elton John |
“To have my name on a list alongside those amazing legends is beyond belief,” John remarked.
The superstar performer was incredibly moved by achieving this career pinnacle late in his decorated run.
“I started off as a pianist in a pub that got lucky, and here I am today at 75 years old in this respected club,” John told Variety. “It’s incredible what can happen in your life.”
An Unforgettable Final Show for LA Baseball Fans
John’s Emmy-winning special captured his farewell concert at Los Angeles’ Dodger Stadium in November 2022, featuring a dazzling array of hits spanning his 50 years on stage.
The concert – part of his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour – marked John’s last-ever North American show, as well as his final live performance in Los Angeles. He played the 3 1/2 hour concert while wearing a bathrobe and slippers due to his injured hip.
Over 52,000 fervent fans packed the stands to watch John’s LA swan song. The crowd roared when John took the stage in a bedazzling, custom-made Dodgers bathrobe and sparkling slippers.
“I want to spend the last few years of my life being with my family because I’ll be 76 years old when I finish [touring],” John told the audience. “I want to bring them out and show you why I’m retiring.”
The emotional performance featured John’s husband Furnish and their two sons, Zachary and Elijah, who waved goodbye to the adoring crowd alongside the music icon.
What Comes Next for the Knighted Legend
While John has now concluded his days of touring North America, his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour still has dates lined up in Australia and Europe through July.
The icon does not plan a completely clean break from music – he still plans to do the occasional one-off show and smaller residency stint. But his days as road warrior appear to be over.
“It’s the last big tour… but that doesn’t mean I won’t be doing special shows or things like that,” John told fans in Los Angeles. “But no more schlepping around.”
The star promises he will remain active in retirement, pursuing his charitable endeavors like the Elton John AIDS Foundation as well as passion projects like finished his long-in-the-works autobiographical film “Rocketman.”
And of course, he now has a coveted EGOT to polish.
“I will treasure this Emmy,” John tweeted Sunday night. “[I] plan to smash it up and make it into a doorstop!”
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