Following 'Rocketman' premiere at the annual film festival, the veteran singer takes the stage to perform 'I'm Still Standing' before inviting the actor on stage to belt out 'Rocket Man' together.
- May 17, 2019
AceShowbiz - Those who attended the after-party of "Rocketman" premiere at Cannes Film Festival were surprised when Elton John took the stage to offer them a stunning performance of his hits. Making it more exciting, the movie's leading man, Taron Egerton, joined the veteran singer onstage.
Elton began his surprise set with a rendition of his 1982 hit "I'm Still Standing", before bringing the actor to the stage. "When I watch the movie, I don't see an actor," Elton said. "I see myself. And that is an extraordinary thing for an actor to do. He has given a million percent of him in this performance."
The duo then launched into a rendition of "Rocket Man", with Elton accompanying Taron on the piano. Elton told the audience after the performance, "This has been a very emotional night for me Even if the movie doesn't make one penny at the box office, which will kill [Paramount CEO] Jim Gianopulos, it is the movie I wanted to make."
"Rocketman" premiered on Thursday, May 16 at Cannes Film Festival, earning a four-minute standing ovation. Taron was moved to tears by the heartwarming reaction before giving Elton a hug. Director Dexter Fletcher, meanwhile, thanked the audience, "We're absolutely blown away by your fantastic reception."
Directed by Dexter with a script provided by Lee Hall, "Rocketman" tells the story of Elton John's life, from his years as a prodigy at the Royal Academy of Music, through his influential and enduring musical partnership with Bernie Taupin, as well as his struggles with depression, substance abuse and acceptance of his sexual orientation.
Besides Taron, the movie also stars Jamie Bell as Bernie Taupin, Richard Madden as John Reid and Bryce Dallas Howard as Sheila Eileen among others. It is set to hit theaters across the United States on May 22.
An official soundtrack album will be released on May 24 through Interscope Records, featuring 22 tracks of several hits performed by the cast of the movie. The album also features Elton and Taron's duet, "(I'm Gonna) Love Me Again", which was released as a single on May 16. It was produced by Greg Kurtsin and Giles Martin.
