The Rocket Man singer, 76, won an Emmy Award for outstanding live variety special for Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger’s Stadium, adding him to the short list of celebrities to have earned an Emmy, Grammy, Oscar and Tony.
Amy Poehler, who presented the award, hinted at his new status in her introduction for his nomination saying, “Now I can’t speak for Elton but, ‘EGOT’ to be excited about that.”
John did not attend the event to accept the award, but the special’s producers went up to receive the award on his behalf, saying that he “sent his love and thanks” to the voters.
“We knew this show would be historic because it was going to be Elton’s last ever show in North America on tour. We knew it would be historic because it was Disney’s first ever live global stream,” one of the producers said while accepting John’s Emmy onstage. “We did not know it was gonna be historic because it was going to win a man who has created the soundtrack to all of our lives. He’s done so much great for society — who is all of our heroes. We didn’t know that it was gonna win him an EGOT.”
In a separate news release after the win, John — now the 19th person to ever score the coveted four awards — added, “I am incredibly humbled to be joining the unbelievably talented group of EGOT winners tonight. The journey to this moment has been filled with passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of my fans all around the world.”
“Tonight is a testament to the power of the arts and the joy that it brings to all our lives. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, I am incredibly grateful,” he said.
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Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger’s Stadium, which debuted on Disney+, received three Emmy nominations. The singer filmed the special on Nov. 20, 2022 as part of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour. A documentary titled Goodbye Yellow Brick Road: The Final Elton John Performances And the Years That Made His Legend was also released alongside it.
“There are no superlatives left to describe Elton John and his impact on music and culture — he’s simply unrivaled,” Bob Chapek, CEO of The Walt Disney Company said. He also noted John’s longtime relationship with the company, as he composed music for 1994’s The Lion King. “Like a good Disney story, Elton’s music has both universal appeal and the ability to connect with audiences on a deeply personal level.”
John’s show at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles in November was his third time performing at the venue, and marked his 2,000th U.S. concert. He also performed in Los Angeles, San Diego, Tacoma, Washington and Santa Clara, California.
“This year will see my grand finale in North America, playing stadiums all around the country, with the most spectacular production I’ve ever had,” he said during the tour. “Thank you for sharing this journey with me. I cherish these memories we’re making together. It has been nothing short of incredible and I look forward to seeing you very soon one last time, on my Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.”
As for what’s next for the longtime singer, he announced in November that he and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin had just finished a new album.
“We’ve just finished an album in Los Angeles, which is going to surprise the s— out of you,” John told the audience in fan-recorded footage of the event. “It’s absolutely wonderful, and it’s full of youth, and it’s full of vitality,” John said of his forthcoming album. “It’s a wonderful place to be after we’ve been together for 56 years.”
See PEOPLE’s full coverage of the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards as they’re broadcasting live on Fox from the Peacock Theater in Los Angeles
