It’s not referring to a tropical disease to say that someone has an EGOT. It means they’ve got a mantlepiece at home where stand an Emmy, a Grammy, an Oscar, and a Tony—the four major pop culture awards in America.
Only 18 entertainers have achieved this quadruple, and now Elton John stands among them as the 19th, having recently won an Emmy for his concert film, Elton John Live: Farewell From Dodger Stadium.
John was not able to attend the ceremony because of needed recovery from a knee surgery, “which isn’t surprising if you think of the number of pianos he’s jumped off from in platform heels,” said John’s husband, David Furnish.
John has collected two Oscars: one for The Lion King’s Cany You Feel The Love Tonight? and another for Rocketman’s (I’m Gonna) Love Me Again.
For the ‘T’ in EGOT, he won a Tony for scoring the musical version of the opera Aida.
For the ‘G’—the Grammy, it’s a case of take your pick, with John having collected quite a few over his decades as a musician.
“I am incredibly humbled to be joining the unbelievably talented group of EGOT winners tonight,” said John in a statement. “The journey to this moment has been filled with passion, dedication, and the unwavering support of my fans all around the world. Tonight is a testament to the power of the arts and the joy that it brings to all our lives. Thank you to everyone who has supported me throughout my career; I am incredibly grateful.”
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According to Smithsonian Magazine, the term EGOT was first used on Miami Vice. Its imaginary alumni include Richard Rogers, Hellen Hayes, Rita Moreno, Whoopi Goldberg, Viola Davis, John Legend, Alan Menken, Mell Brooks, Audrey Hepburn, John Gielgud, Marvin Hamlisch, Johnathan Tunic, Mike Nichols, Scott Rudin, Robert Lobez, Andrew Lloyd Weber, Tim Rice, and Jennifer Hudson.
It seems appropriate that the acronym would be finished on Elton’s final show ever on tour in North America; the curtain call of all curtain calls, and a tremendous achievement to mark the end of a long chapter in a tremendous career.
WATCH Tiny Fey and Amy Pohler present the award along with peers…
CELEBRATE John’s Wonderful Achievement With Fans You Know…