Radio Music Awards 2001
| Robert presented Sir Elton John with the special Legend Award at the 2001 Radio Music Awards on October 26. The show was broadcast live from the Aladdin Resort & Casino in Las Vegas, Nevada. The Legend Award is presented to an individual or group for their body of work and for their significant contributions to the music industry. About 1 hour and 40 minutes into the show Elton comes on and performes his song, I Want Love, while the music video starring Robert is shown on a big screen. Right after the song, Robert came on stage to present the award to Elton. Read transcript below. |
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ROBERT AND ELTON ON STAGE Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen, Robert Downey Jr.! [Cheers. Elton and Robert hug and kiss] Robert: Anyday now... [Still applause] Wooo! Well... Elton: Hello Darling! Robert: Hi! Well done! Elton: Thank you! Robert: I think he did a great cover of my song tonight. [Pointing at Elton] I must say it's really a great pleasure to be here tonight, and it's an incredible honor to present the 2001 Radio Music Legends Award to Elton John. [Cheers] Elton, you know you've received just about every honor availableto an artist and performer and humanitarian. More important, through music you have enriched the lives of countless people by expressing your profound feelings and emotions in a most successful way. Your philantrophy is as legendary as your music. The Elton John Aids Foundation has raised MILLIONS for research. Much of it from the contributions of your royalties. And the biggest selling single in history is your 'Candle In The Wind', 1997. That's funny because now when I think of Marilyn Monroe, I mean, I... I... think of you. Elton: Uh? Robert: I think of myself, being Joe DiMaggio. I think of your skirt blowing up. I... I... Elton: Do you really? [Robert 'attacks' a startled Elton with a BIG hug and a kiss. Laughter and applause.] Robert: Regardless, be assured that all the proceeds were donated to the Princess of Wales Memorial Fund. He speaks for our international community. From the sick and the downtrodden, to those who need reminders that being a human being comes with responsibilities. And through all this, you've never stopped giving us your great gift of entertainment. Thank you. You've heard a lot about radio tonight. You've heard a lot of Elton John on the radio since forever. This honor is presented to Elton John on behalf of people like you who keep it turned on. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2001 Radio Music Awards Legend, Elton John! Elton: Thank you, Thank you very much. Thank you Robert for those really kind words, thank you for coming tonight, for doing the video, for looking so great and doing so well. We love you very much, okay? [Cheers. Elton goes on to thank young artists and the RMA people....] Robert: Will you give us another song? [Elton nods] He's gonna give us another song! |