Prior to Elton John taking his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour to Nationals Park in Washington, D.C. on Saturday, he stopped by The White House Friday night.
He performed a six-song set on the South Lawn for A Night When Hope and History Rhyme, hosted by A&E Networks and the History Channel.
- "Your Song"
- "Tiny Dancer"
- "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)"
- "Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me"
- "Crocodile Rock"
- "I'm Still Standing"
The event honored the “everyday history-makers in the audience, including teachers, nurses, frontline workers, mental health advocates, students and LGBTQ+ advocates.” And after performing, Elton was also honored as President Biden surprised him with the National Humanities Medal for his work in fighting AIDS.
Visibly shaken and fighting back tears, Elton listened as the citation was read: “The President of the United States awards this National Humanities Medal to Sir Elton John for moving our souls with his powerful voice, and one of the defining songbooks of all time. An enduring icon and advocate with absolute courage, who found purpose to challenge convention, shatter stigma and advance a simple truth: that everyone deserves to be treated with dignity and respect.”
Elton brings his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour to Globe Life Field in Arlington, Texas this Friday.
Elton and Britney Spears will premiere the video for their collaboration “Hold Me Closer” tomorrow at 12 noon.