Elton John Clarifies His Fading Eyesight Is 'Not as Bad as It Seems' as He Jokingly Refers to Brandi Carlile as Rihanna

Mar. 15, 2025

From Left: Elton John and Brandi Carlile at the 2025 Golden Globes.Photo:Rich Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

Rich Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

Things are looking up forElton John!

On Sunday, Jan. 5, the legendary musician, 77, presented the award for best original score - motion picture withBrandi Carlileat the2025 Golden Globes. Ahead of bestowing the win to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross ofChallengers, John assured fans that despite news of his declining eyesight, he was just fine — and fans can take his word for it.

“So, I’m so pleased to be here with my co-host —” he jokingly added, gesturing to Carlile, “— Rihanna.”

From Left: Catherine Shepherd, Brandi Carlile, Elton John and David Furnish at the 2025 Golden Globes.Christopher Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

Christopher Polk/GG2025/Penske Media via Getty

The singer-songwriter lost vision in his right eye in July 2024, he said in an interview withGood Morning America. It came about after he contracted an eye infection while on a summer vacation in the south of France, he said.

“It kind of floored me, and I can’t see anything. I can’t read anything, I can’t watch anything,”John said.

He also shared that his left eye is “not the greatest,” and it’s impacted his ability to read lyrics or watch shows or movies.

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source: people.com