Elton John Achieves EGOT Status With Emmy Award for Best Variety Special

January 15, 2024 @ 7:12 PM

Elton John won an Emmy on Monday for his Disney+ special “Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium,” and with the trophy became the 19th person to win an EGOT – competitive Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony awards.

“I can’t speak for Elton, but EGOT to be excited about that,” presenter Amy Poehler quipped while reading the nominees, alluding to John’s potential for reaching the showbiz milestone.

Recovering from an knee operation, John was not present at the ceremony to pick up his Emmy. The award was accepted by winning producer Ben Winston, onstage along with John’s husband, producer David Furnish.

But in statement John said, “I am incredibly humbled to be joining the unbelievably talented group of EGOT winners tonight. The journey to this moment has been filled with passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of my fans all around the world. Tonight is a testament to the power of the arts and the joy that it brings to all our lives. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my career, I am incredibly grateful.”

John, 76, has also won a Tony Award in 2000 for the score of “Aida,” in addition to two Oscars for 1994’s “The Lion King” and 2019’s “Rocketman” and five Grammy Awards for 1987’s “That’s What Friends Are For,” 1992’s “Basque,” 1995’s “Can You Feel the Love Tonight,” 1998’s “Candle in the Wind” and 2001’s “Aida,” in addition to a non-competitive Grammy’s Legend Award in 1999.

The other 18 people who have achieved EGOT status include Helen Hayes, Henry Fonda, Rita Moreno, Whoopi Goldberg, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Tim Rice, John Legend, and Jennifer Hudson.

During his Emmys opening monologue, host Anthony Anderson mentioned that the term “EGOT” was originally coined by actor-musician Philip Michael Thomas of “Miami Vice” fame. Thomas first referred to the awards acronym in 1984.