Pop music icon Sir Elton John and rising star Chappell Roan shared an unforgettable moment Sunday night at his annual Oscars viewing party, which raised over $8.6 million for his AIDS Foundation.
Roan, a Midwest native and a rising force in pop music, was the special guest at this year’s event, held in West Hollywood Park. The night, dedicated to supporting HIV/AIDS prevention, treatment, and mental health services, saw Roan perform several songs, including her hit “Hot To Go,” as well as a cover of John’s classic ballad “Your Song.”
John, who was also nominated for Best Original Song at the Academy Awards, joined Roan for a heartfelt duet of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me,” a highlight of the evening. Before the performance ended, Roan presented John with a pink cowboy hat, expressing her gratitude for his longstanding support of the queer community.
“You have sacrificed so much for the queer community, and you made it so I can be the artist I can be,” Roan said, as captured in video from the event. “So thank you so much.”
John shared a clip of the duet on his Instagram, calling the performance “nothing short of magical.” He reflected on the spirit of the night, writing, “For one night, we transformed West Hollywood Park into our own Pink Pony Club — a space filled with love and community, where everyone can be unapologetically themselves.”
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The event, which brought together stars from the music, film, and fashion industries, was a major fundraising success, raising over $8.6 million, according to the Elton John AIDS Foundation. The funds will go toward providing life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health support to vulnerable communities worldwide.
David Furnish, John’s husband and the chair of the Elton John AIDS Foundation, praised the event’s success, thanking attendees and donors for their generosity. “Because of your generosity, we were able to celebrate with purpose, helping communities around the world access life-saving HIV prevention, treatment, and mental health support,” Furnish said in a statement.
Roan’s performance with John marked a powerful moment for both artists, who share a deep connection to the LGBTQ community. Fans took to social media, sharing their emotional reactions to the duet, particularly highlighting the significance of the two artists—one a veteran of the industry and the other an emerging talent—coming together for a shared cause.
One fan on TikTok expressed admiration for the moment, writing, “The way he’s watching her with so much pride—like, yeah, dude, you helped pave the way for this. Can’t imagine how emotional he must feel.”
Another Twitter user, posting on X, wrote, “You just know as a queer elder, Elton John is so happy to see how far our community has come since he was her age, and to see Chappell dominating music makes his heart so happy.”
You just know as a queer elder, Elton John is so happy to see how far our community has come since he was her age and to see Chappell dominating music makes his heart so happy. 🥹 https://t.co/gUOaiLKjIo
— Taylor 🏳️⚧️ (@taylor_ashbrook) March 3, 2025
The event, which featured performances, celebrity appearances, and an auction, underscored the ongoing need for support and awareness in the fight against HIV/AIDS. John’s annual viewing party continues to be one of the most significant fundraising events in the entertainment world, combining star power with a powerful cause.
As Roan continues to rise in the music world, her duet with Elton John serves as a poignant reminder of the progress made by the LGBTQ community, while also honoring the trailblazers who paved the way for future generations.
