Joe Biden Surprises Elton John With National Humanities Medal After White House Concert

Elton John had a pretty impressive concert venue to play in the other night when he performed for 2,000 people including Joe Biden on the White House South Lawn last Friday. However, the crowd was also there to see him be honored – the musician was awarded with an award at the end of the show.

John reportedly sang about six songs while providing his own piano accompaniment. He had been on his international farewell tour, so the Bidens took this chance to surprise the artist with the National Humanities Medal.

As a video from the night showed, John was immediately made emotional at the news. His mouth gaped open in surprise, and at various point he buried his head in his hands and teared up as a speech in his honor began. He even grabbed hands with First Lady Jill Biden for a vulnerable moment.

“I think we surprised him!” Biden joked after putting the medal around his neck and passed John the microphone. “I’m flabbergasted and humbled and honored by this incredible award,” John began emotionally. “America’s kindness to me as a musician is second-to-none, but in the war against AIDS and HIV, it’s even bigger, and I can’t thank you enough,” John also added.