Pop icon Elton John addressed his recent struggles with eyesight during the opening night of his new musical, The Devil Wears Prada, at London's Dominion Theatre, which also doubled as a charity gala for the Elton John AIDS Foundation. "I haven't been able to come to many of the previews because, as you know, I've lost my eyesight so, it's hard for me to see it," the 77-year-old musician shared with the audience. "But I love to hear it and it quite sounded good tonight," he added, providing fans with reassurance about the production's quality even as he grapples with personal challenges.
John revealed his battle with "a severe eye infection" this past September, which has resulted in "only limited vision in one eye." Reflecting on the healing process, he remarked, "It will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye." He also shared vulnerabilities about his condition on Good Morning America, stating, "I can't see anything, I can't read anything, I can't watch anything." Despite these struggles, he maintains hope for recovery, expressing optimism about his future endeavors.
Earlier this year, Elton John made headlines for retiring from touring, marking the end of one significant chapter of his storied career. Yet, he's not stepping back from creative pursuits. He wrote the score for The Devil Wears Prada, which is based on the popular 2006 film about the demanding life of a young journalist in the fashion industry. Alongside this, John is set to release the documentary Elton John: Never Too Late on December 13, keeping him firmly planted within the entertainment limelight.
Adding to his recent accomplishments, John co-wrote the song "Never Too Late"—featured prominently in his new Disney+ documentary—with artists Brandi Carlile and longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. This track has garnered attention for making the Oscars shortlist for Best Original Song. If nominated, this would mark John's fifth nomination for the category, pushing him closer to joining the ranks of songwriters with three or more Oscar wins. He would become only the 10th person to achieve this milestone.
Despite challenges, John's spirits remain high. "I have the freedom to explore my artistic vision at my own pace," he noted during his recent interview on The Late Show with Stephen Colbert. This insight reveals not only his resilience but his commitment to continually producing meaningful music. Notably, John excitedly anticipated sharing new tracks with fans, affirming, "There’s plenty of exciting material coming." This zeal for creating music is clear, as he blends personal reflection with artistic mission.
While "Never Too Late" has yet to earn nominations from the Golden Globes and Critics Choice Awards, it did secure recognition with a Satellite Award nomination. The upbeat and empowering track, which sings of seizing chances and embracing life, features Carlile alongside John, harmonizing on lines like, "To hell with Heaven’s gate," embedding the emotional depth of John’s life experiences within the lyrics.
The evolution of Elton John's career is noteworthy, especially his current resurgence amid health adversities. His recent positivity and vigor offer fans encouragement, signaling his undiminished creative energy. By remaining engaged with contemporary music projects, he's not only reaffirming his relevance but influencing new generations of fans.
John's artistry is also reflected through his remarkable ability to adapt, engaging with the fast-evolving music industry, particularly via streaming platforms like Disney+. This adaptability ensures his music continues to reach diverse audiences.
Elton John’s contributions to music and culture over his six-decade career are monumental. His resilience and optimistic outlook serve as inspiration not just for fans, but for fellow artists facing challenges. With more music on the horizon and potential accolades awaiting him, John's legacy appears to grow richer as he continues to navigate life and artistry.
