Elton John unable to ‘watch own musical’ after eyesight loss
4 min read
(L to R) Vanessa Williams, Donatella Versace, Sir Elton John and Dame Anna Wintour attend The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical's charity gala night. [Dave Benett/Getty Images]
Sir Elton John has revealed that he is unable to watch The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical – the West End show featuring music he composed – due to his recent eyesight loss. Speaking at the gala performance of the musical, which was hosted to raise funds for the Elton John AIDS Foundation, the 77-year-old pop icon shared his struggles. “I have lost my sight and I haven’t been able to see the performance, but I have enjoyed listening to it,” he said.
The star-studded event, which took place on Sunday, was attended by several famous faces, including Vogue editor Anna Wintour, actress Lily Collins, and fashion designer Donatella Versace. Sir Elton’s health has been a topic of concern since he experienced an infection in his right eye in July, leaving him with vision problems. Though his exact condition remains unclear, Sir Elton shared during a November interview with Good Morning America that the infection occurred while he was 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 stated.
Wintour, who was also at the gala, spoke to the BBC about her support for the event and described the musical as “entertaining.” She was also asked about the film and musical’s depiction of the fashion industry, and whether it accurately reflects her own experience. The character of Miranda Priestly, portrayed in both the film and musical, has long been rumored to be loosely based on Wintour. The musical follows the story of a young journalist, Andy, who becomes the assistant to the powerful and notoriously tough editor of a New York fashion magazine, Miranda Priestly. Wintour, who is often the subject of comparisons to Priestly, responded by saying it was for the audience to decide whether or not the portrayal was accurate.
Fashion designer Betsey Johnson, 82, also attended the event, praising the show and noting that “everyone in the fashion industry loves it.” Reflecting on her own career, she said, “I’m lucky I got through the industry without having to play the game.” Johnson added that when she first watched the film, she was relieved to have avoided the more cutthroat aspects of the fashion world.
The production of The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical stars American singer and actress Vanessa Williams in the role of Miranda Priestly, a part made famous by Meryl Streep in the 2006 film. TV personality Michelle Visage commented on Williams’ performance, saying she was the “perfect person” to take on the role.
Visage also discussed how the fashion industry has evolved in terms of body image. Reflecting on the 2006 film, she remarked that it was hard to believe Andy, played by Anne Hathaway, was labeled “fat” despite being a size six. She hoped that the industry has made strides in promoting inclusion. Model Elizabeth Hurley echoed this sentiment, stating that she feels “every woman’s body is now celebrated,” and she looked forward to seeing how the show reflects these changes.
However, singer Beverley Knight expressed skepticism, suggesting that the fashion industry has not made “leaps and bounds” in terms of accepting women of all sizes. Actor Luke Evans, known for his role in Beauty and the Beast, offered his thoughts on the film’s lasting cultural impact. He admitted that he didn’t fully understand why the film had become such a phenomenon, but speculated it was because the fashion industry is ever-changing, while those at the top, like Priestly, remain constant. He also noted that in his experience, Wintour is “lovely,” which he felt contradicted any similarity between her and the character of Miranda.
Comedian David Walliams, who was also present at the gala with his mother, humorously remarked that they hadn’t even seen the musical yet but were confident it would be brilliant. “We’re missing Strictly Come Dancing for this, that’s how much we love Elton,” Walliams joked.
As Sir Elton John continues to face challenges with his health, his involvement in The Devil Wears Prada: The Musical serves as a reminder of his enduring influence in both the music and fashion worlds, while also highlighting his dedication to supporting causes close to his heart, like the Elton John AIDS Foundation. Despite his inability to watch the show he helped bring to life, his continued presence at these events shows his passion for creativity and his support for the people around him.
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