Lady Gaga, David Furnish, Donatella Versace and Zachary and Elijah. Image Source: Haute Living
One of the biggest nights in Hollywood is the Elton John AIDS Foundation, and for the past thirty years, the legendary musician Sir Elton John has been hosting the event to raise funds to support innovative HIV prevention, education programs, direct care, and support for people living with HIV.
Sir Elton John hosted the 30th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party on Sunday night at West Hollywood Park, where they broadcast the 94th Academy Awards live and turned the viewing party into a mega-fundraising event, raising $8.6 million for the foundation's work to end HIV AIDS.
The viewing party drew up to 800 guests, including Caitlyn Jenner, Demi Lovato, Donatella Versace, Chrissy Metz, Heidi Klum, Chris Pine, Kathy Hilton, Zooey Deschanel, Billy Porter, Saweetie, Troye Sivan, Lady Gaga, Eric McCormack, Raven-Symone, Derek Hough, Casey Affleck, Sharon Osbourne, Lucy Hale, Liam Payne, Maya Henry, Jay Shetty, Ashley Benson, Emily Hampshire, etc.
Although Sir Elton John was not present at the viewing party, because the date of the Academy Award clashed with his rescheduled concert dates and he was scheduled to perform at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska, Sir Elton John asked his husband David Furnish, Billy Porter, Eric McCormack, and Lady Gaga to co-host the event while he was on Zoom call and sang "Your Song" and "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road." The live auction was hosted by Simon de Pury.
The guests received limited edition Elton John Eyewear Gold Dust frames that are sold exclusively at Walmart to benefit the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Sir Elton John said in a statement that he is grateful to his friends, including Billy Porter, Lady Gaga, and Eric McCormack, who stepped in as hosts along with his husband, David Furnish, and made the event successful and memorable. Sir Elton John thanked Brandi Carlile for her special performance at the event and went ahead to thank everyone present at the 30th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party, making sure that they all continue to work towards saving lives and working towards ending AIDS.
David Furnish said that even though Elton John was not able to attend the viewing party in person, he was thrilled that they were able to stream him live from Nebraska. David also mentioned that they were extremely proud because it was the first time that their sons were attending the event and they made their fathers proud.
Billy Porter, who took the stage, said that whenever Sir Elton John throws a party, he throws it with a purpose and he was there for the 37 million people who are out there living with HIV, including him. Billy considers himself fortunate to live in a community that loves and supports him, but he is constantly reminded that not everyone has the luxury of being loved and supported.
Lady Gaga, who was one of the 94th Academy Awards presenters, decided to grace the event before heading to the Dolby Theatre to present the award. She said that sharing the moment with her godsons, Zachary and Elijah, means so much to her. She changed into her Ralph Lauren black lame tuxedo and headed to the Academy Awards to present the award for Best Picture with Liza Minnelli.
The foundation’s CEO, Anne Aslett, said that the 30th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party was one incredible night and thanked the people in the audience for their generosity and compassion towards their mission to end the stigma around HIV, prevent infection, and provide treatment to those living with it.
At the 30th annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Oscar Viewing Party, David Furnish spoke to Hollywood Life and shared that Sir Elton John does want to finish touring as he wishes to spend more time with his family, but he is never going to stop making music. David also stated that Elton is more connected to music than ever before and is excited about making more music as he continues to redefine what a great and happy music career can be.
Sir Elton John shared that they asked him to postpone the show at Pinnacle Bank Arena in Lincoln, Nebraska to attend the Oscars, but he decided not to postpone the show as he had rescheduled it already. He added that it was the first time he had missed it in thirty years, but that playing to a house packed with 14,000 fans was worth it. Sir Elton John mentioned to the audience that it was his 203rd show off his "Farwell Yellow Brick Road Tour" and his 11th show in Nebraska.
