Singing before guests including Kate Moss and Elle MacPherson, Sir Elton raised $200,000 for the Hoping Foundation with his rendition of Elvis Presley's "Are You Lonesome Tonight?"
With winning bidders serenaded by the singer of their choice or allowed to perform a duet, a total of $700,000 was raised for the charity that supports Palestinian children.
The next highest bid was for Nick Cave, who sang a version of Destiny's Child's "Bootylicious" for $150,000. He beat Pogues frontman Shane MacGowan's $60,000 interpretation of Billy Joel's "We Didn't Start The Fire."
Others performers included Bryan Adams with "Rocking All Over The World," Mick Jones with "Should I Stay Or Should I Go," Lulu with "Shout," Sharleen Spiteri with "It Takes Two," Chrissie Hynde with "Born To Be Wild," and Jools Holland and James Blunt with "Summertime."
Elton John leaves hospital, back on stage Nov 14
Nov 6, 2009 9:39 am PST
British singer Elton John left hospital on Thursday after being treated for a serious case of e-coli bacterial infection and influenza that forced him to cancel a string of concerts, his representative said on Thursday. Spokesman Gary F...
Elton John on mend, resuming tour dates
Nov 6, 2009 2:00 am PST
Elton John has been released from a London hospital after being treated for flu and an E. coli bacterial infection. The singer's spokesman Gary Farrow says John was at home Friday and was feeling fine. He left the hospital early Thursday....
Official: No Ukrainian adoption for Elton John
Sep 14, 2009 10:00 am PDT
Elton John won't be able to adopt a 14-month-old HIV-positive child from Ukraine because the pop star is too old and isn't married, the government said Monday. Adoption and gay rights advocates expressed regret about the determination by ...
Billy Joel ill, postpones 2nd upstate NY show
Jul 25, 2009 7:00 pm PDT
Billy Joel and Elton John have postponed a second upstate New York concert on their top-grossing tour after Joel fell ill with flu-like symptoms. The Times Union Center in Albany says in a release the pair have decided to delay Monday's s...
Elton John, Dolly Parton to perform at Tonys
Jun 5, 2009 2:00 pm PDT
The Tony Awards will include a few bona fide music stars among the usual song-and-dance numbers. Elton John, Dolly Parton and Poison will help toast Broadway's finest at Sunday's ceremony, performing with the casts of top-nominated...