As 2025 draws to a close, the enduring legacy of Elton John is shining brighter than ever. At 78, the legendary musician shows no signs of slowing down, delighting fans with announcements of new music, inspiring tribute shows, and a starring role in a major exhibition celebrating the world’s greatest performers. From his own words to the stage costumes that have defined his flamboyant style, Elton John’s influence is echoing across continents—reminding everyone just how much one artist can shape the world of music and performance.
In a heartfelt holiday video message released to his fan club on December 30, Elton John looked back on what he called “a fantastic year.” According to Parade, John celebrated a major career milestone: “I had two number one albums in the British charts, which I never had before. ‘Step Into Christmas’ is again in the Top 10 as I speak. And I want to thank you for all your loyalty and your continued support. It means so much to me.” It’s a testament to his enduring appeal that, even after more than half a century in the business, he’s still hitting new highs on the charts.
But Elton John isn’t just looking backward—he’s charging ahead with fresh creative energy. “I’ll be going to the studio next April to make a record,” he revealed. “But I’ve already made one, which is fantastic. So I’m teasing you with that one.” Fans erupted with excitement at the prospect of not just one, but two new albums on the horizon. In 2025 alone, he performed 11 private shows, keeping his voice in top shape and his passion for live music alive. “I’m in great voice, and I enjoy playing with the band and on my own,” he assured his followers.
His most recent album, Who Believes in Angels?, a collaboration with Brandi Carlile, marked a departure into retro-inspired sounds. Yet, as John told Variety, his next project will be “much more commercial” and feature “more Bernie Taupin songs that are more of today than yesterday.” He explained, “The album with Brandi, it’s a timeless record, but it’s not of its time. We just wanted to make a record that we loved, with great songs. That was a yesterday record, and it was fantastic. But there is a part of me that wants to do a much more commercial record.”
John’s partnership with Carlile wasn’t just about music—it was about mentorship. “When I did the record with Brandi, I said, ‘You’re established in America, but I want this record to establish you in other places,’ and that was one of the main reasons to do it,” he said. The album’s impact was immediate: Carlile’s international profile soared, with new fans in the UK and Australia. “She has a huge following now, there, and a following in Australia, and she just went back to England to do promotions…and I can’t believe how many people turned up. I wanted her to become an international artist, and that album has pushed her into the fore in those countries. So it did the job.” The record’s critical acclaim was cemented with two Grammy nominations—best traditional pop vocal album and best song written for visual media.
Elton John’s cultural presence isn’t confined to his own performances and recordings. Across the globe, his influence is celebrated on stage and in museums. In St. Cloud, Minnesota, the Pioneer Place on Fifth is ushering in 2026 with a packed schedule of live entertainment, including “The 22nd Row – A Tribute to Elton John.” According to WJON News, the show, set for January 4, is a “huge production” featuring a large band performing almost exclusively Elton John’s greatest hits. Owner Ray Herrington described the event as having “a lot of musicians on stage” and promised a night that would do justice to John’s expansive catalog. The tribute is part of a broader trend, with venues across the country hosting Elton John-themed events, allowing new generations to experience the magic of his music live.
Not to be outdone, the Athens Theatre in DeLand, Florida, will host the return of the “Rocket Man Show” in early 2026. As reported by Beacon Online News, the concert features Rus Anderson channeling Elton John’s larger-than-life persona, complete with “a riot of feathers and color” and the kind of rock ‘n’ roll energy that first made John a global icon. These tribute shows underscore just how deeply embedded Elton John’s music and style are in the collective consciousness—and how much joy they continue to bring to audiences worldwide.
Meanwhile, in Melbourne, Australia, Elton John’s legacy is being honored in a different way. The Australian Museum of Performing Arts (AMPA) opened the DIVA exhibition on December 31, 2025, running until April 26, 2026. According to the Australian Broadcasting Corporation, the showstopper is Elton John’s King Louis XIV-inspired 50th birthday outfit, a dazzling ensemble designed by Sandy Powell. The headpiece, so elaborate it had to be transported separately, is a testament to John’s flair for theatricality. “There’s more feathers, more sparkles, more theatricality in that costume than I think any of Elton’s—down to the little details on the Louis the XIV wig, with this ship on top,” said Kate Bailey, senior curator at London’s Victoria and Albert Museum, where the exhibition originated.
The DIVA exhibition is a celebration of creativity, power, and vision—qualities that Elton John embodies. Alongside his iconic costume, the exhibition features pieces from other legendary performers: Kylie Minogue’s red catsuit from the “Padam Padam” video, Rihanna’s pope-inspired Met Gala look, and outfits from Cher, Tina Turner, Freddie Mercury, Lady Gaga, and more. About 20 costumes represent Australian divas, from Dame Nellie Melba’s robe to Jessica Mauboy’s Eurovision dress. Margot Anderson, head curator for AMPA, explained, “When we think of the Australian diva, the sorts of attributes that seem to come up a lot is this lightheartedness, sense of humour, but also slightly sort of defiant and subversive as well.”
The exhibition doesn’t shy away from the complexities of the term “diva.” As Bailey noted, “This exhibition really kind of reclaims the diva narrative and celebrates it as a term that actually is a term of creativity, of power—these performers who have such a strong sense of self and vision and attitude.” It’s a fitting tribute to Elton John, whose career has been defined by precisely those qualities.
From the recording studio to the world’s stages and now to museum halls, Elton John’s impact in 2025 and beyond is impossible to ignore. Whether through new music, spectacular live tributes, or the glittering costumes that helped define an era, he continues to inspire, surprise, and delight. As the curtain rises on a new year, fans old and new are reminded that, in the world of music and performance, Elton John remains truly peerless.
