Elton John’s Funniest (and Most Dignified) Teleprompter Moment
Back in 1997, when Princess Diana’s life was tragically cut short in Paris, the world tuned into Westminster Abbey for an unforgettable memorial. Amid the somber ceremony, the legendary singer‑songwriter Elton John delivered an unforgettable rendition of “Candle in the Wind,” but with a twist that even he never saw coming.
The Teleprompter Takedown
Elton admitted that he was so nervous about mis‑singing the lyrics that he literally put a teleprompter in front of his piano. “At that moment, I was terrified of saying ‘Goodbye Norma Jean,’ so I turned on the teleprompter and scrolled it down my left side,” he confided during a recent talk at the Royal Academy of Music.
He joked, “If I sang that wrong, I’d be drawn and quartered, and I didn’t want that fateful drama.” The result? A flawless performance that fluidly replaced “Goodbye Norma Jean” with a more appropriate “Goodbye England’s rose.”
Why the Change?
- It honored Diana’s identity as a beloved public figure.
- It avoided the lyric that previously paid tribute to Marilyn Monroe.
- It bolstered the song’s emotional impact for millions watching worldwide.
The re‑wrote hit went on to become the fastest‑selling single in Britain this year, showing that even a small lyric tweak can make a huge difference.
Exploiting Creative Genius
During his autobiography event, “Me: Elton John,” the artist highlighted his collaborative process with long‑time lyricist Bernie Taupin. “He always gives me a lyric,” he said, his eyes twinkling with fondness.
“Elton would sit with the lyric on the piano, and then a little mental movie would pop on—like a film score. In the end, the tempo and genre were already in my head,” he recalled. “Then, I simply put my hands on the piano and let the magic happen.”
Talent Meets Technique
Elton’s relaxed confession reminds us that even icons use practical tools like teleprompters to avoid a disastrous moment. It’s a testament that confidence, humor, and a little bit of technology can keep a performance polished and heartfelt.
So next time you catch a live performance—or any staged moment with a microphone—you’ll know it’s perfectly fine to have a hidden teleprompter. Just think: whether a royal tribute or a billion‑viewer concert, every performer deserves a safety net.
