Elton John to receive $100,000 Glenn Gould Prize

TORONTO — Elton John will receive the 15th Glenn Gould Prize, a $100,000 award for an artist whose work has “enriched the human condition.”

The biennial award administered by the Glenn Gould Foundation goes to an artist whose work demonstrates excellence and has been influential “either on their discipline or the broader culture.”

The jury, led by former prime minister Kim Campbell, say they selected John from a pool of candidates submitted by the public because of his massive musical success and the way he leverages his fame to advocate for the greater good.

Campbell says in a written statement that John was an early champion for LGBTQ+ rights and awareness of the AIDS epidemic, at a time when such causes were not popular.

In the statement, John says he’s “awestruck and honoured” to receive the award, as he has long admired the “virtuosity” of the late Canadian pianist.

John will receive the award at a special gala presentation in Toronto in the fall. He will also choose a protégé to receive $25,000 from the foundation.

Other Glenn Gould Prize laureates include Leonard Cohen, Yo-Yo Ma, Philip Glass and Alanis Obomsawin.

This report by The Canadian Press was first published March 20, 2025.