Elton John is “heartbroken” to be missing his long-running Oscars party.
Elton’s annual Oscars watch party is a major Hollywood event, which raises funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation.
But this year, the singer will be absent due to tour commitments, with the likes of Lady Gaga, Billy Porter and Will & Grace star Eric McCormack stepping in as hosts.
Elton shared his heartbreak during an interview with Good Morning America.
“It breaks my heart but I can’t be there, because it’s an event that means so much to us,” he said.
Singer-songwriter and producer Brandi Carlile, who will co-host the event in his place, joined John for the interview.
“We’re going to try to make up for Elton not being there by me wearing something outrageous,” she joked, referencing the dazzling costumes for which he is well-known and well-loved.
“You have to rise to the occasion, because he’s going to see the pictures and let you know if you don’t.”
Elton John is currently on his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour, which has been blighted by the pandemic and injury.
Having bagged his second Oscar in 2020 for Best Original Song, his 2021 saw him earn his first UK number one album in almost a decade, and top the singles charts with his collaboration with Ed Sheeran on a Christmas song.
He jokingly branded the “Shape of You” singer a ‘f**king big mouth’ after he spoilt the top-secret project by opening up about it to press.