Elton John becomes first BRITs Icon

Sir Elton John CBE was honoured tonight at the first ever BRITs Icon event which will be aired on Friday 13th September on ITV.

The new award was presented by Rod Stewart who also joined Elton on stage for their first ever live performance together to duet on 'Sad Songs (Say So Much)'.

The legendary Elton John, whose achievements include, 35 gold and 25 platinum albums, selling more than 250 million records worldwide and the biggest selling single of all time, 'Candle In The Wind 1997', played nine songs which included 'I'm Still Standing', 'Your Song', 'Tiny Dancer' and two songs from his forthcoming album 'The Diving Board'. Sir Elton's first full set list below.

The evening was hosted by Dermot O'Leary and included surprise video messages from Ringo Starr, Yoko Ono, Ed Sheeran, Annie Lennox, Emilie Sandé, Mumford & Sons, Billie Jean King, David Furnish and Bernie Taupin amongst others. The BRITs Icon Award will become part of the established BRIT Awards stable, but will be celebrated at a separate stand-alone event each year. It will be presented onl
y to iconic artists whose writing, recording and performances set them apart as having made a lasting impact on the nation's culture, recognising the very highest level of British music achievement.

Before the show Elton John said: "It's a tremendous honour and a real thrill for me to have my work acknowledged in this way, and I'm really looking forward to participating in what promises to be a very special occasion."

Full Set list:
01. I'm Still Standing
02. Your Song
03. Philadelphia Freedom
04. Bennie And The Jets
05. Tiny Dancer
06. Home Again
07. Rocket Man
08. Mexican Vacation
09. Sad Songs (Say So Much) with Rod Stewart

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