By Shawna Mizelle and Sam Fossum, CNN President Joe Biden on Friday presented Sir Elton John with the National Humanities Medal, surprising the music icon following a performance on the South Lawn of the White House.
"As Jill just mentioned, we're joined by so many people that ... he's set free to be themselves, to be treated with dignity and respect they deserve. Families and advocates in the fight against HIV/AIDS. A fight that he has led with sheer will, a fight for those lives lost and those lives we can save. Leaders standing up for equality of all people, no matter who you are, or who you love," the President said.
Speaking in between songs, John addressed former first lady Laura Bush, who was also in attendance, acknowledging former President George W. Bush's"astonishing" work on the Presidential Emergency Plan for AIDS Relief, which he started while in office and is credited with changing the trajectory of the HIV/AIDS crisis around the world.
The night had moments of levity, such as when John lightened the mood as he took the stage, joking,"I don't know what to say. What a dump," drawing laughs from attendees. And it also drew emotion, including when Biden could been seen wiping tears as John sang,"Crocodile Rock."
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Elton John playing White House lawn as part of farewell tourIt’s not clear whether the show will be broadcast beyond the live performance, though eager viewers can tune in to hear the president's remarks.
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'Let's have some music': Elton John plays White HouseWASHINGTON (AP) — “God bless you, let’s have some music,” said Elton John. With that, the White House South Lawn was transformed into a musical lovefest Friday night as John played a farewell gig to honor everyday “heroes” like teachers, nurses and AIDS activists. At the end of the show President Joe Biden surprised John with the National Humanities Medal, for his songbook and his long legacy of advocacy. Isn't this dinosaur extinct yet?🤣 On a day where the market tanked 30,000 points while American families continue to reel with record inflation/deep recession. But it’s a party at the White House!
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Elton John set to rock the White House Friday nightBritish pop legend Elton John is set to rock the White House on Friday night, playing for President Joe Biden and first lady Jill Biden in a South Lawn performance the White House says 'will celebrate the unifying and healing power of music.' I wouldn't classify Elton as rock lol. 🤘 Rock on, Sir Elton John❣️ Elton playing for Biden at the White House is the best Trump troll of them all
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Elton John Playing White House South Lawn as Part of Farewell TourElton John was all in on a plan to perform at the White House before the world-famous rockin' piano player hangs it up — he says — for good.
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Elton John playing White House lawn as part of farewell tourWASHINGTON (AP) — Elton John was all in on a plan to perform at the White House before the world-famous rockin' piano player hangs it up — he says — for good. Farewell to your 401k. No one cares. I went to two Elton John 'farewell' concerts in 1984
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Elton John performs at White House for first time since 1998At the end of the show, President Biden surprised the singer with the National Humanities Medal, for his songbook and his long legacy of advocacy. 'That doesn't look like the Presidential Medal of Freedom.' Trump bragged that he would've gotten Nickelback Another Party another week. I adore Elton John, but a party for 2k people cost the Tax Payers what? I guess I am just pissy because we're in a Recession, I live on the Border and I see so much suffering from the people on the street, no Livable wage, Retirement tanking, Ukraine.
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