The evening was co-hosted by Elton John and David Furnish alongside Neil Patrick Harris and David Burtka. The night’s musical highlight featured a raw, unfiltered performance by double-platinum British artist Lola Young. Fresh off her Grammy and BRIT wins, Young performed tracks from her third studio album, I’m Only F**king Myself, including her hit “Messy.”
“Elton, David, and the Foundation are all about celebrating who you really are,” Young said, emphasizing the responsibility of her generation to advocate for LGBTQ+ communities and those still affected by HIV. Elton John echoed the sentiment, praising Young as “bold, brilliant, and completely herself” amidst a legendary night for British talent.
The fundraising reached a fever pitch during an auction led by Lydia Fenet. The centerpiece was an original artwork titled Tiny Dancer by Jack Coulter. Coulter, who experiences synesthesia, translated sound into color while Elton John performed a rare, solo piano rendition of the classic song.
Other high-profile auction items included:
Dua Lipa’s custom Jean Paul Gaultier corset.
A pair of Rolex Cosmograph Daytonas engraved with Elton and David’s signatures.
A private dinner with the hosts themselves.
The event drew a massive guest list, including Zoe Saldaña, Dua Lipa, RuPaul, Melissa McCarthy, and Donatella Versace. Despite the glitz, the message remained urgent. Foundation CEO Anne Aslett reminded attendees that “someone dies of AIDS-related causes every minute,” noting that funds will be used to combat stigma and declining global funding.
As the Foundation marks 34 years of advocacy, the $10.6 million raised ensures continued access to lifesaving HIV prevention and mental health services for vulnerable communities worldwide.
