Elton John was visibly shocked when the US president, Joe Biden, presented him with the National Humanities Medal on Friday night at the White House. The award was presented to John after he had performed on the South Lawn.
Elton John was moved and hugged the First Lady and president and said: 'I don't know how to take a compliment very well, but it's wonderful to be here among so many people who have helped my Aids foundation and my heroes, the ones that work day to day on the frontline, teachers, nurses, everybody who's helped.'
Inaugurated in 1997, the award is presented annually to individuals, groups or institutions whose work has made a significant contribution to the humanities in the US.