Elton John has finally achieved 'EGOT' status

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Elton John has finally clinched the coveted EGOT status at the 75th annual Primetime Emmy Awards.

The momentous achievement came as his Disney+ special, Elton John: Farewell from Dodger Stadium, was honored with the Outstanding Variety Special (Live) award.

This triumph marks Elton as the 19th individual in history to join the exclusive EGOT club, which encompasses the realms of Emmy, Grammy, Oscar, and Tony accolades.

Elton's remarkable journey towards EGOT glory traces back to his Grammy win in 1987. He clinched the Best Pop Performance by a Duo or Group with Vocals award for the timeless hit 'That's What Friends Are For', featuring music legends Stevie Wonder, Dionne Warwick, and Gladys Knight.

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Credit: Phillip Faraone / Getty

As the years rolled on, Elton's talent continued to shine brightly, amassing an astonishing collection of Grammy Awards. His trophy cabinet includes Best Instrumental Composition for 'Basque' in 1992, Best Male Pop Vocal Performance for 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' in 1995, and 'Candle In The Wind 1997' in 1998.

He also secured the prestigious Grammy Legend Award in 1999 and the Best Musical Theater Album award in 2001 for his remarkable contribution to Aida.

However, Elton's journey didn't stop there. In 1995, he secured an Academy Award for Best Original Song for 'Can You Feel The Love Tonight' from Disney's beloved classic, The Lion King.

Two decades later, in 2020, he added another Oscar to his list for the hit '(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again,' featured in his biographical film, Rocketman.

At the turn of the century, Elton's talents expanded into the world of theater. In recognition of his extraordinary contributions, he was honored with a Tony Award for Best Original Score for the critically acclaimed musical Aida.

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Credit: Dia Dipasupil / Getty

While celebrating his EGOT achievement at 76 years old, Elton was notably absent from the Emmy Awards ceremony held in Los Angeles. Nevertheless, his achievement serves as a testament to his lasting influence and talent.

The most recent celebrity to achieve the EGOT feat before Elton was Viola Davis, who earned the title last year by winning a Grammy for Best Audiobook, Narration & Storytelling Recording for her autobiography, Finding Me.

It's worth noting that the oldest recipient of the EGOT honor was the distinguished John Gielgud, who achieved this feat at the impressive age of 97 years and four months. Gielgud made history as both the first non-American and the first member of the LGBTQ+ community to attain this prestigious award.

Elton now joins the ranks of EGOT icons like Richard Rodgers, Helen Hayes, Rita Moreno, Audrey Hepburn, Marvin Hamlisch, Jonathan Tunick, Mel Brooks, Mike Nichols, Whoopi Goldberg, Scott Rudin, Robert Lopez, John Legend, Tim Rice, Andrew Lloyd Webber, Alan Menken, and Jennifer Hudson.

With his EGOT achievement, Elton solidifies his place among the greatest artists in history. Congratulations, Sir Elton John, on this well-deserved honor!

Featured image credit: Phillip Faraone / Getty