Latest news with #WhoBelievesinAngels
Yahoo
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elton John says he 'can't see' sons play sports or read after vision loss from eye infection
Elton John shared an emotional health update months after he revealed that he had suffered partial vision loss due to a "severe" eye infection. During an interview with the Times of London, the 78-year-old music icon spoke out candidly about the pain of losing his eyesight and how it has impacted his life. ""I can't read. I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all up," the father of two said. "It's distressing." John and his husband, David Furnish, who married in 2014, share sons Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12. The pair welcomed Zachary, who was born via surrogate in December 2010. In January 2013, John and Furnish became parents to Elijah, who was born via the same surrogate. Elton John Left With 'Limited Vision' Following Health Scare While speaking with the Times, the U.K. native shared that he "can't see the telly," adding that he has not "been able to see anything since last July." Read On The Fox News App "You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have," John said. "I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here," he continued, pointing to his left eye. "So you say to yourself, just get on with it." The "Rocket Man" hitmaker first revealed his health struggles in September. "Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye," he shared on social media. "I am healing, but it's an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye." The singer added: "I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far." During a November interview with "Good Morning America." John revealed that he contracted the infection over the summer in the South of France. "It's been four months now since I haven't been able to see, and my left eye is not the greatest," he said. "There's hope and encouragement that it'll be OK, but I'm kind of stuck at the moment because I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording, I don't know," John explained, revealing he can't read lyrics. "It kind of floored me," he later added. "I can't see anything. I can't read anything, I can't watch anything." On Friday, John released his new album with Brandi Carlile, titled "Who Believes in Angels?" The "Hold Me Closer" singer and Carlile collaborated on the album with record producer Andrew Watt and John's longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. The quartet recorded "Who Believes in Angels?" over just 20 days between mid-October and early November 2023. In the documentary "Elton John: Never Too Late," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, the singer discussed the concerns that Zachary and Elijah have about his "mortality." "They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality," he expressed in the documentary. "Not so much David, but me," he added. The five-time Grammy Award winner said he shares a close bond with his two sons and that they "love their daddy" and want nothing more than for him "to be around forever." John's children are not the only ones who worry about him being around for the monumental moments of their lives. The singer said he "would love to be around forever," but he is aware that won't be the case. "I want to see them have children and get married. I don't think I'm going to be around for that. Who knows? You never know. So that's why I want to use the best time – the best of my time – while I'm around," he added. "Time together is so wonderful and so precious." Fox News Digital's Lori Bashian contributed to this article source: Elton John says he 'can't see' sons play sports or read after vision loss from eye infection
Fox News
06-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Elton John says he 'can't see' sons play sports or read after vision loss from eye infection
Elton John shared an emotional health update months after he revealed that he had suffered partial vision loss due to a "severe" eye infection. During an interview with the Times of London, the 78-year-old music icon spoke out candidly about the pain of losing his eyesight and how it has impacted his life. ""I can't read. I can't see my boys playing rugby and soccer, and it has been a very stressful time because I'm used to soaking it all up," the father of two said. "It's distressing." John and his husband, David Furnish, who married in 2014, share sons Zachary, 14, and Elijah, 12. The pair welcomed Zachary, who was born via surrogate in December 2010. In January 2013, John and Furnish became parents to Elijah, who was born via the same surrogate. While speaking with the Times, the U.K. native shared that he "can't see the telly," adding that he has not "been able to see anything since last July." "You get emotional, but you have to get used to it because I'm lucky to have the life I have," John said. "I still have my wonderful family, and I can still see something out of here," he continued, pointing to his left eye. "So you say to yourself, just get on with it." The "Rocket Man" hitmaker first revealed his health struggles in September. "Over the summer, I've been dealing with a severe eye infection that has unfortunately left me with only limited vision in one eye," he shared on social media. "I am healing, but it's an extremely slow process and it will take some time before sight returns to the impacted eye." The singer added: "I have been quietly spending the summer recuperating at home, and am feeling positive about the progress I have made in my healing and recovery thus far." During a November interview with "Good Morning America." John revealed that he contracted the infection over the summer in the South of France. "It's been four months now since I haven't been able to see, and my left eye is not the greatest," he said. "There's hope and encouragement that it'll be OK, but I'm kind of stuck at the moment because I can do something like this, but going into the studio and recording, I don't know," John explained, revealing he can't read lyrics. "It kind of floored me," he later added. "I can't see anything. I can't read anything, I can't watch anything." On Friday, John released his new album with Brandi Carlile, titled "Who Believes in Angels?" The "Hold Me Closer" singer and Carlile collaborated on the album with record producer Andrew Watt and John's longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. The quartet recorded "Who Believes in Angels?" over just 20 days between mid-October and early November 2023. In the documentary "Elton John: Never Too Late," which premiered at the Toronto International Film Festival last September, the singer discussed the concerns that Zachary and Elijah have about his "mortality." "They think about my mortality. They worry about my mortality," he expressed in the documentary. "Not so much David, but me," he added. The five-time Grammy Award winner said he shares a close bond with his two sons and that they "love their daddy" and want nothing more than for him "to be around forever." John's children are not the only ones who worry about him being around for the monumental moments of their lives. The singer said he "would love to be around forever," but he is aware that won't be the case. "I want to see them have children and get married. I don't think I'm going to be around for that. Who knows? You never know. So that's why I want to use the best time – the best of my time – while I'm around," he added. "Time together is so wonderful and so precious."
Yahoo
04-04-2025
- Entertainment
- Yahoo
Elton John and Brandi Carlile Release Collaborative Album 'Who Believes In Angels?'
Elton John and Brandi Carlile have released their collaborative album Who Believes in Angels. The 10-track album, produced by Andrew Watt, with John's longtime creative collaborator Bernie Taupin contributing lyrics, includes eight songs by John and Carlile together, along with a solo song from each. The duo released a music video for title track 'Who Believes in Angels?' in February, a quintessentially John song. According to the video's description, it's 'a kaleidoscopic tribute to the rock & roll angels who continue to inspire successive generations' including Tina Turner and Little Richard. More from The Hollywood Reporter Kanye West Raps About Split With Wife Bianca Censori on His New Album, 'WW3' Bruce Springsteen to Release Seven 'Lost' Albums in June Drake Allowed to Ask For Kendrick Lamar's Record Deal in "Not Like Us" Defamation Lawsuit, Judge Rules John and Carlile released a lyric video for the album's second track 'Little Richard's Bible' hours before the release. The song is a much more upbeat vibe than 'Who Believes in Angels.' The pair are preparing to head to primetime on Sunday, April 6 for An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile. The concert special, produced by Fulwell Entertainment, is set to feature live performances, stories about the pair's friendship and a look at the album. John and Carlile will also perform some of their individual songs and classics from John's discography, and Carlile will also share an unreleased track. It was filmed on March 26 at London's Palladium Theatre during a one-night only engagement. The pair discussed a wide range of topics, ranging from what John wants on his tombstone – 'nothing to do with Crocodile fucking Rock' as he put it – to the complicated feelings of making music when he felt down about war. 'It doesn't seem right to be trying to make a record when this horrible stuff is going on,' he said. John and Carlile, who are longtime friends, recently collaborated for their Oscar-nominated song, 'Never Too Late,' which was featured on the Disney+ documentary of the same name. The documentary recounts John's legendary career, culminating with his final North American concert at L.A.'s Dodger Stadium. An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile airs on April 6 at 8 p.m. local time on CBS. It will also stream live for Paramount+ with Showtime users. Other Paramount+ users can stream next-day on the platform. Best of The Hollywood Reporter Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2025: Beyoncé, Billie Eilish, Kendrick Lamar & SZA, Sabrina Carpenter and More Hollywood's Highest-Profile Harris Endorsements: Taylor Swift, George Clooney, Bruce Springsteen and More Most Anticipated Concert Tours of 2024: Taylor Swift, Bad Bunny, Olivia Rodrigo and More
USA Today
31-03-2025
- Entertainment
- USA Today
Elton John, Brandi Carlile are sunshine and sadness on joint album: Review
Elton John, Brandi Carlile are sunshine and sadness on joint album: Review Show Caption Hide Caption Watch Chappell Roan and Elton John duet at his Oscar after-party Chappell Roan performed at Elton John's annual Oscars after-party, where they duetted to each other's songs. Fans knew an official musical alliance between kindred spirits Elton John and Brandi Carlile was inevitable. Their relationship built on mutual admiration has manifested at concerts (John invited Carlile to sing at his final concert at Dodger Stadium in 2022) and soirees (Carlile was one of the most sincere performers at last year's Gershwin Prize concert honoring John and lyricist Bernie Taupin). Carlile has also developed into an icon whisperer, first helping reestablish Joni Mitchell's confidence and now patiently enduring John's acknowledged studio tantrums. Despite any volatility while writing and recording, the John/Carlile partnership on their collaborative album, 'Who Believes in Angels,' out Friday, shimmers with a just-right balance of sunshine and sadness. Produced by Andrew Watt, the 10 songs also boast the fingerprints of Taupin (surely the lyric about 'a rodeo queen breathing fire into the night' from the title track spawned from his poetic brain), who knows better than anyone how to coax greatness from John. John and Carlile blend seamlessly over the melodious piano and robust chorus of the title track, as well as the sweet pop song 'Someone to Belong To.' Carlile, meanwhile, earns a spotlight moment on the tender 'You Without Me' as her lovely voice flutters over the acoustic guitar spine of the ballad. In announcing the album, John said that he was so invigorated by the work he and Carlile started in October 2023 that 'this (album) is the start of my career, Mark 2.' If so, it's an auspicious beginning. Here are four of the best songs on 'Who Believes in Angels.' More: Chappell Roan duets with Elton John at intimate Oscars after-party 'The Rose of Laura Nyro' Named for the '60s-era cult singer/songwriter whom John says he idolized, the song that kicks off the album emits serious 'Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding' vibes. A long synth introduction dissolves into swirls of sound before a guitar solo kicks in and leads to the combined vocals of John and Carlile. Their voices collide in a cloud of melody as they sing in their ode, 'Like Virginia to the lighthouse/see the songbirds in their cages/the rose of Laura Nyro/shed its petals on the pages.' A boogie-piano coda stretches the song past the six-minute mark, and it sets the tone for an album that can sometimes feel scattershot but is always rescued by the warmth of its stars. 'Someone to Belong To' This midtempo gem trots in like a standard pop song, but then the sublime chorus latches onto your emotions as John and Carlile spin their most honeyed vocals on the album. Over mellifluous piano runs, the pair sing lyrics full of hope and gratitude: 'Hang in there, darling, won't you?/the best is yet to come … But if there's still gold in those hills/I owe it all to you/I thank my lucky stars/that I've got someone to belong to.' It's an uncomplicated message that harkens to the simplicity of 'Your Song' – and no one is complaining about that. 'The River Man' It's the kind of song that sneaks up on you with quiet verses and acoustic guitars, then erupts into a blues-rock frolic. Carlile's rootsy sensibilities are knitted with John's pop instincts for a foot-stomper that surprises throughout. And then there is that midsong breakdown of racing guitars and piano: Yes, 'Pinball Wizard,' we hear you in there. 'When This Old World is Done With Me' Much like Billy Joel's 'And So It Goes,' John's reflective ballad is a bit of a lament and a bit of a valentine to a life well-lived. 'I've felt sympathy and silence/helping hands and guidance/happiness and anger since the day that I was born,' he projects in a booming lower register, which gives the song an extra layer of gravitas. It's an ideal album closer as John sings alone of taming demons and a reminder that 'none of this came easy.' But then he moves from bleak minor chords to 45 seconds of silky music box riffs, signaling the sound of a new day.
Fox News
06-02-2025
- Entertainment
- Fox News
Elton John throws 'nightmare' tantrum, breaks down in tears while recording new album
Elton John launched into an expletive-filled tantrum during the recording of his new album "Who Believes in Angels" with Brandi Carlile. On Wednesday, the 77-year-old music icon released the trailer for the short film "Who Believes In Angels? Stories On The Edge Of Creation," which gives fans a candid look behind the scenes of how the album came together over just 20 days. In the video, the singer was seen in a studio as he clashed with record producer Andrew Watt, one of his four collaborators on the project, including Carlile and John's longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin. "Are you ready to record?" Watt asked John, to which the "Rocket Man" hitmaker snapped, "I'm sitting here, aren't I?" As the clip continued, John was seen growing increasingly frustrated. In a voiceover, the five-time Grammy Award winner, who had recently concluded his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour with a performance at the Glastonbury Festival, admitted, "Reality is, I was exhausted. I had a lot of doubt…. and I was a nightmare." "Angry. I was tired. I was irritable," he added. At one point in the video, Watt told John, "Dude, I'm just trying to make the song as best as it can be. You're so impatient." "F---ing nightmare!" John exclaimed while slamming his headphones down onto his keyboard. He recalled in a voiceover that there was "tension in the studio." Carlile, 43, who earlier said that she had "idolized" John since she was 11, explained that she began having her own doubts about the collaboration. "Elton is prone to moments of insecurity," she said. "Especially where the stakes are high." "I'm having a hard time connecting to Elton," "The Story" singer admitted. "There were times I thought, 'Why does he want to do this? Why? Why is he going from Glastonbury to making an album with me?'" "And I thought, 'I don't wanna do it,'" Elton said in a voiceover as he was then seen ripping up sheet music while sitting at a keyboard. "I'm done," he told Watt, who protested, "No, man. Elton." "Cut the mics," Watt told the production crew, who were filming the behind-the-scenes footage. Elton went on to say that he felt he couldn't give up on the album at that point because "other people were involved." As the video continued, tensions within the studio began to ease as Elton found his groove. "The fog started to lift," Elton said. "And once we got going – Jesus!" "Finally it all started to flow," he added. The mood of the four appeared to lighten as they fell into sync while collaborating on songs. "It wasn't easy, which is a place where such great music came from," Carlile noted. The clip cut to a beaming Watt, who told John, "You know what you just did? Kicked some f---ing a--!" "Pretty damn good," John said with a smile. In a voiceover, John opened up about how he wanted to push himself creatively with the album. "I wanted to play better. Sing better. Write better and challenge myself at the age I am," he said. "In 50 plus years, we've never made a record like this," said Taupin, who has worked with Elton since 1976. "Brandi really pushed me. Pushed me, pushed me," John said. Earlier in the video, John explained why he sought out a collaboration with Carlile, who has received 11 Grammy Awards, two Emmy Awards and an Academy Award nomination. "When I met her, I fell in love with her, and I just thought she had the most amazing voice. I knew I would find her inspiring, and I knew she would find me inspiring," he recalled. Carlile later celebrated how the project turned out. "We made an album that I think is spectacular for all the ages," she said. "My life has been taking me to this album the whole time." John gushed that "Who Believes in Angels?" was "immaculate." "This came out the way I wanted it to come out," he said while breaking down in tears at the keyboard as Carlile gave him a comforting hug. "This [has] never happened to me in my whole career," John added. "Who Believes in Angels" is set to be released on April 4.
