Canadian Artists Honor Elton John at Glenn Gould Prize Gala in Toronto

Elton John was in Toronto on Saturday night to receive the Glenn Gould Prize, even if he is, by any normal measure, very much not Canadian. The international arts award, presented every two years, has previously gone to Leonard Cohen, Philip Glass and Oscar Peterson. This time, the honoree was John, who was in the room at the Theatre at Great Canadian Casino Resort Toronto.

According to the Toronto Star reports, John told the audience, “I am a Canadian. Canada is part of my life and embedded in my soul.” His husband, David Furnish, is Canadian. John accepted the gold sculpture and the $100,000 prize that comes with the award. He also selected the recipient of the Glenn Gould Protégé Prize, which carries $25,000. That award went to Toronto mezzo-soprano Emily D’Angelo, who performed “I Know The Truth” from John’s Aida at the ceremony.

D’Angelo was one of several Canadian artists who took on songs from John’s catalog during the gala. The Beaches performed “The Bitch Is Back.” Sarah McLachlan sang “Tiny Dancer.” Diana Krall covered “Our Song.” Loony performed “Mona Lisas And Mad Hatters.” Ron Sexsmith sang “Blues For My Baby And Me.” There does not appear to be video online of Saya Gray’s performance of “Honky Cat.”

The night ended with John joining all of the performers for “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road.” Before the show, Polaris and Juno winner Jeremy Dutcher and other artists were interviewed.