Lady Gaga, Miley Cyrus, John Legend, and other stars unite for Elton John salute
Some of music’s best artists got together at Madison Square Garden in New York City on Tuesday night for Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A Grammy Salute, which was kicked off by Miley Cyrus, who gave a lively rendition of “The Bitch Is Back.”
Other music heavyweights delivered great performances to honor the icon. The lineup included Ed Sheeran, Sam Smith, Alessia Cara, Lady Gaga, Little Big Town, Shawn Mendes, SZA, Maren Morris, Chris Martin, Miranda Lambert, Kesha, and John Legend.
John and his writing partner, Bernie Taupin, also received the Recording Academy President’s Merit Award, and John received heartfelt messages throughout the night from the artists who sang.
“As a male singer-songwriter from England who is gay, you are a shining example who helped me see what was possible in this world,” Smith told John. In an eloquent address, Gaga said, “To be able to call myself your family, your friend, your lady, is one of the true thrills and honors of my life. But before I loved you, and your beautiful family, I loved your songs. Songs that will be standing long after all of us are gone. In a world where so much fades, the masterpieces that you and Bernie write together never have, and they never will. I’m sure of that. So thank you, Elton. I love you. And as Bernie once put it so perfectly, as only he could: ‘How wonderful life is while you’re in the world.'”
However, it was the all-star closing performance with the man of the night that really brought it home, as Elton sang “I’m Still Standing” with all of the night’s performers standing behind him.
Elton John: I’m Still Standing — A Grammy Salute aired Tuesday, April 10, at 9 p.m. on CBS.
Check out an ‘American Idol’ contestant getting deep with his real-life idol, Allen Stone:
Read more from Yahoo! Entertainment:
James Corden’s and Helen Hunt’s deep investigation into #WhoBitBeyoncé
Rod Stewart calls Elton John’s retirement tour ‘dishonest’ and ‘not rock ‘n’ roll’
Tell us what you think! Hit us up on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram — or leave your comments below. And check out our host, Kylie Mar, on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram.
