Anyone wondering if Elton John approves of Taron Egerton being cast to play him in the upcoming biopic “Rocketman” got resounding confirmation when the pair shared the stage for a memorable performance of “Tiny Dancer” on Sunday night.
With the “Kingsman”star belting out the lyrics to the beloved ballad and John beside him on piano, the duet proved why the British actor was the perfect choice to play the five-time Grammy winner.
The beautiful moment occurred at the 27th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party during a live auction for a trip to attend the “Rocketman” world premiere in London in May.
Egerton was brought from his dinner table onto the stage to amp up bidding on the exclusive experience and was then asked to perform one of the hit songs from the movie.
“But I need someone to play piano. Is there a pianist in the house?” he asked the audience. Cue John, who came up to join Egerton on the ivories, prompting a standing ovation from the surprised guests.
Egerton sat chatting on stage with John after the song was over, wearing a signature pair of oversized glasses and looking uncannily like the original Reginald Dwight.
Elton returned to role of accompaniment pianist later in the night when he performed “Daniel” during the The Killers’ rousing set.
John and David Furnish’s annual Oscar night gala has raised over $6.3 million on Sunday for the global effort to end AIDS. The auction also featured a Yahama piano signed and played by John at the “Lion King” 20th anniversary concert, studio sessions for the “Devil Wears Prada Musical” in Las Vegas and Toronto, as well as at this year’s Academy Awards Viewing Party.
Along with “Rocketman” stars Egerton and Jamie Bell, and director Dexter Fletcher, other VIP guests included Shohreh Aghdashloo, Mädchen Amick, Patricia Arquette, Alina Baikova, Jamie Bell, Thora Birch, Chad Buchanan, Candace Bushnell, Charlie Carver, Kristin Chenoweth, Erika Christensen, Chris Colfer, Chace Crawford, Terry Crews, Heidi Klum, Caitlyn Jenner, Lindsey Vonn, Gus Kenworthy and Rumer Willis.
“Rocketman” is an epic musical fantasy about the incredible human story of Elton John’s breakthrough years. The film follows the fantastical journey of transformation from shy piano prodigy Reginald Dwight into international superstar Elton John. Set to John’s most beloved songs, it tells the story of how a small-town boy became one of the most iconic figures in pop culture. The movie also stars Richard Madden, John Reid and Bryce Dallas Howard.
“Rocketman” lands in theaters May 31.