Elton John Delivers Exclusive Performance and Raises $10.8 Million for AIDS Foundation at Annual Oscars Party
variety.comRance Collins Sir Elton John retired from touring last July, but the legendary singer got back behind the piano in front of a star-studded audience at his annual Academy Awards viewing party, benefitting the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
The crowd, which included Patricia Arquette, Donatella Versace, Sharon Stone, Zooey Deschanel, Brandi Carlile, Danny DeVito, Rhea Pearlman, Tim Allen, Elizabeth Hurley, Alexis Bledel, Eric McCormack, Avril Lavigne, Heidi Klum and Melanie Lynskey, was regaled with a rousing rendition of “Are You Ready for Love,” assisted by the night’s musical headliners, the trio Gabriels. “I’m from Compton, I’m from L.A., so it feels like a full circle moment,” Gabriels member Jacob Lusk said. “And to be doing it in support of an amazing event such as this. [We get to] have fun, eat good food, drink a little bit and then help people.” Gabriels, who also performed “Love and Hate in a Different Time” and “Great Wind,” are one of John’s favorite new acts.
The group made waves in 2022 when John joined them on stage at the Glastonbury Festival. The event raised a record-setting $10.8 million, cruising past the previous high total set in 2022 by more than $1 million.
For more than 30 years, the Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Award Party has been a preeminent Oscar-night event, raking in well over $100 million since the first gathering on Maple Drive in 1993.
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