Biden shocks tearful Sir Elton John with Humanities Award

After concert at the White House for US president and ‘history makers’, the 'flabbergasted' Brit popstar received special honour

British pop star Sir Elton John sings for his White House supper. EPA

The event was presented in collaboration with A+E Networks and The History Channel and called 'A Night When Hope and History Rhyme'. Bloomberg

Elton John on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington on Friday. Bloomberg

President Joe Biden announces he is going to present Elton John with the National Humanities Medal after a concert on the South Lawn of the White House in Washington, Friday, Sept. 23, 2022. (AP Photo / Susan Walsh)

Sir Elton was overcome with emotion at the unexpected announcement. AFP

President Joe Biden presents Elton John with the National Humanities Medal after the concert. AP

Elton John after accepting the National Humanities Medal from US President Joe Biden. Reuters

Mr Biden lauded Sir Elton for his charitable work with the Elton John Aids Foundation. Reuters

Sir Elton told first lady Jill Biden that he was absolutely 'flabbergasted'. AP

Jill Biden applauds as US President Joe Biden embraces Sir Elton John during the event at the White House in Washington. UPI

Joe Biden looks on as Jill Biden embraces Elton John. UPI

Sir Elton was visibly taken aback by the honour. Bloomberg

Sir Elton, who performed for former president Bill Clinton in 1998, has repeatedly demanded that Donald Trump not use his music at campaign rallies. AP

David Furnish greets Sir Elton, his partner, after President Biden presented the award. AP

Paul Buccieri, president and chairman of A+E Networks Group and Mr listen as Elton John performs one of his many hit songs. AP

David Furnish, Sir Elton John, President Joe Biden and Jill Biden. AP

Joe Biden and his wife Jill are not shy about demonstrating affection in public. Bloomberg

The concert venue on the White House South Lawn in Washington. AFP

The Bidens arrive for the concert. Reuters

Not only is Billie Jean King, in blue, part of the Elton John Aids Foundation, the pop star also wrote 'Philadelphia Freedom' for her in 1975. AP

Former British prime minister Tony Blair, left, with US President Bill Clinton, right, thanking Elton John and Stevie Wonder after the duo performed at the White House State Dinner on, February 5, 1998. PA

Sir Elton John gave a special performance for US President Joe Biden, first lady Jill Biden and about 2,000 “everyday history makers” on Friday night.

Those attending on the South Lawn of the White House included teachers, first responders and veterans, as well as Transport Secretary Pete Buttigieg, former first lady Laura Bush and her daughter Jenna Bush Hager, singer Anna Kendrick, activist Malala Yousafzai and tennis legend Billie Jean King.

"Elton once said, 'Music has healing power. It has the ability to take people out of themselves for just a few hours'," Ms Biden said in opening remarks.

"We’re here tonight to once again lose ourselves and be brought together, perhaps even healed, by the power of music."

The event signals the return of A-list celebrities to Washington after a four-year, Trump-inspired backlash.

Sir Elton, 75, avoided the Trump White House, starting with the Republican’s 2017 inauguration.

The British musician said he did not think it was appropriate for someone with his heritage to play at the swearing-in of an American president.

"Elton found his voice … to help others and help them find their voice," Mr Biden said.

"Elton often talked about how American music changed his life and how the different genres and sounds influenced his own music and imagination.

"It’s clear Elton John’s music has changed our lives. And to Elton, on behalf of the American people, thank you — and I sincerely mean this — thank you for moving the soul of our nation."

After belting out some of his biggest hits, including Tiny Dancer, Rocketman, Your Song and I’m Still Standing, Sir Elton received seven standing ovations.

But when the Bidens surprised the singer with the National Humanities Medal, the Grammy Award-winning star was moved to tears and was nearly speechless.

"I just said to the first lady, 'I’m never flabbergasted', but I’m flabbergasted and humbled and honoured by this incredible award from the United States of America," said Sir Elton.

"Your kindness — America’s kindness to me as a musician is second to none. But in the war against Aids and HIV, it’s even bigger.

"And I can’t thank you enough. I’m really — I’m really emotional about this.

Sir Elton also took a moment to talk about the continued work through the Elton John Aids Foundation.

“Since I founded the Foundation at my kitchen table in Atlanta 30 years ago, I made a commitment not to leave anyone behind and will continue on this mission,” he said.

“We are striving for a future where people of all races, ethnicities, nationalities, sexual orientations and gender identities have the opportunity to live free from Aids, stigma, injustice and maltreatment – and I’m so grateful recognition like this brings us a step closer to making that a reality.”

It was this first White House gig since he performed with Stevie Wonder at a state dinner in 1998 to honour US president Bill Clinton and UK prime minister Sir Tony Blair.

Sir Elton is on a farewell tour that began in July after more than 50 years of performing.

A&E's stars-studded History Talks event in Washington -- in pictures

Agencies contributed to this report