At this year’s Oscar viewing party in West Hollywood, Chappell Roan honored music icon Elton John by inducting him into her “Pink Pony Club.” Roan placed a pink, fringe-adorned cowboy hat on John’s head while performing her signature song alongside him and also joined him on one of his timeless classics.
The Grammy-winning artist’s hour-long set, which was her first full performance since wrapping up her headlining tour at Austin City Limits five months ago, included fan favorites from her debut catalog.
However, the evening soon took a celebratory turn with a nod to Elton John, starting with a heartfelt solo rendition of his song “Your Song.” Later, she invited John to join her on stage, where they shared vocals for “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” The pair concluded the performance with a lively rendition of Roan’s “Pink Pony Club,” with John adding backing vocals.
Roan, visibly emotional, thanked Elton John for his unwavering support of the queer community and for paving the way for artists like herself. She also acknowledged his significant contributions to AIDS research, as the funds raised during the evening would support the Elton John AIDS Foundation. “You made it possible for me to be the artist I am today,” Roan said before presenting John with the pink cowboy hat from Los Angeles Cowgirl, his crown for the night’s finale.
The heartfelt moment shifted into a more playful atmosphere when Roan cheered, “Let’s dance, baby!” as the party atmosphere at the West Hollywood Park tent became energized, reminiscent of the nearby Abbey nightclub.
The following morning, the Elton John AIDS Foundation revealed that the 33rd edition of the Oscar viewing party raised $8.6 million to further its mission of ending AIDS.
Earlier in the evening, John had enjoyed Roan’s performance from his table, where he was accompanied by singer Brandi Carlile. The duo, who had recently lost the Oscar for Best Original Song with “Never Too Late,” appeared in high spirits as they danced to Roan’s set.
As the crowd parted for John’s entrance to the stage, Roan shared with attendees that the inspiration for “Pink Pony Club” came from the nearby Abbey, a gay nightclub she had visited at age 21. “I vowed I would become a go-go dancer there. Instead, I wrote a song about it,” Roan humorously explained.
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