Elton John Gets EGOT Push at Disney+ Event, Says of Dodger Stadium Farewell Gigs and Tour: ‘I’ve Never Played and Sang So Well in My Life’
variety.comChris Willman Senior Music Writer and Chief Music Critic Elton John is just one “E” away from being an EGOT, and there was no mistaking that an event for Television Academy members at the Samuel Goldwyn Theatre Monday night was not just about celebrating the success of Disney+’s livestreamed Dodger Stadium special from last November, but about reminding potential voters that the star lacks just one vowel in his crown.
Following a screening of a condensed version of “Elton John Live: Farewell from Dodger Stadium,” moderator Dave Karger, of TCM fame, asked, “Ben Winston, you have 12 Emmys; Elton has five Grammys, two Oscars, and a Tony.
So combined, there’s an EGOT on this state. Would you be willing to share?” Replied Fulwell 73 Productions’ Winston, who produced the special, “We’re all members of the Television Academy, and I think that we take it with us tonight that all of us have a responsibility…” before his remarks got drowned out by appreciative applause.
John did not offer his own campaign pitch, but did speak at length before the packed house about the special specifically and his long goodbye as a touring artist generally, describing the feeling of triumph in going out on a high at Dodger Stadium. (Going out in the U.S., that is; his multi-year touring swan song still has one last pass to go through Europe, starting later in March and currently set to wrap in Europe in early July.) “I’m so critical of myself,” John said, by way of saying that he is not an easy mark when it comes to the self-esteem he was expressing about his farewell tour. “I have to say, I’m 75” — about to turn 76 next week — “and honestly, I’ve never played and sang so well in my life, for so long.
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