The performance took place at The Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards® Viewing Party
BY SHANNON MOYCE, IMAGE BY MTV
Elton John’s dream collaboration wish came true as Chappell Roan performed at his annual Oscars viewing party, making him the newest member of the Pink Pony Club, all in support of The Elton John AIDS Foundation.
Chappell’s energetic hour-long set consisted of all her top hits and paying homage to Elton John classics, including a cover of Your Song and an emotional duet of Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me.
Showing that the VIPs “aren’t way too cool to do this”, Chappell encouraged the crowd of celebrities and audience to participate and dance, including LGBTQIA icons Jessica Gunning, Julia Fox, Liv Hewson and more.
In a deeply moving moment, Chappell placed her signature pink cowboy hat upon Elton John’s head. With tears in her eyes, she expressed her gratitude, saying how he has “sacrificed so much for the queer community” and that she wouldn’t be the artist that she is today without him.
Elton John has been a supporter of Chappell Roan for a long time, but now we can truly see this friendship flourish on stage. Finishing the night off, the pair performed a dance and a duet to the iconic song Pink Pony Club.
Following the event, Elton revealed on Instagram that the event raised over $8.6 million (£6.7 million). The news was accompanied by the caption that they created “a space filled with love and community, where everyone can be unapologetically themselves”. Not only did we love seeing the pair on stage, but it was a reminder of why these events are so important.
It’s so important to see the next generation of queer artists while still championing the icons that have come before them and Chappell Roan and Elton John demonstrate this with genuine authenticity. Chappell Roan and Elton John’s collaboration was a testament to the power of music, community, and the enduring legacy of queer artistry.
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