Sir Elton John Honoured With First Ever BRITs Icon Award

Gary Barlow and Elizabeth Hurley all turning out to see the Tiny Dancer singer.

 

 

Sir Elton, whose career has spanned over decades, was presented the award by fellow British superstar, Rod Stewart, who joked he was “the second best rock singer ever.”

 

The pair later performed their first ever duet on the song Sad Songs (Say So Much), following a performance of greatest hits from John, including Your Song and Rocket Man.

 

The legend dedicated the prestigious gong to his long-term songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin, "who I wouldn't be here without" and also the "Women's Institute and you, the fans.”

 

 

John added: "I can think of a couple of people who might have deserved it more than me."

 

Well wishers including Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono and former US President Bill Clinton left video messages for the 66-year-old, who has recently recovered from appendicitis.

 

Sir Elton told host Dermot O’Leary on stage: "It's been a hell of a summer. I'm glad to be rid of the appendix - it was a pesky little bugger."

 

The new award is seen to be as the highest achievement in British music and will be presented separately from the BRITs at an annual ceremony.

 

 

Sixties icon Lulu - who was a special guest at the ceremony - described the singer as a “one-off”, she told the BBC: "Only the Rolling Stones, The Beatles and Elvis are at the top [with him]. So it's perfectly fitting he should get the first Icon award."

 

The ceremony presented will be shown on ITV on September 13 and include highlights from Sir Elton’s career, as well as his nine-song set.