Glastonbury 2023; Elton John’s first & last Glastonbury Festival - who dueted with him and setlist

He came, he saw, he signal boosted some up-and-coming artists along the way but by golly did he conquer. Glastonbury Festival 2023 came to a close yesterday evening with Sir Elton John performing at his first festival in Worthy Farm, said to also be his last UK live performance as he reaches the end of the yellow brick road. Two hours of Sir Elton John saw revellers cram in front of the Pyramid Stage, leaving Glastonbury organisers to implement a rare “no sitting” rule to accommodate the number of festival goers.

We were promised some songs that we’ve not heard in a good number of years, and Sir Elton delivered from the very moment he tickled the ivories, launching into “Pinball Wizard,” a song he has not played since 2009. He also brought back “Are You Ready For Love,” assisted by Jacob Lusk and the London Community Gospel Choir - a first since 2014.

While there were complaints about a lack of Britney Spears dueting during the performance, instead Sir Elton chose some up-and-coming names to assist him during his duets - the aforementioned Jacob Lusk, Stephen Sanchez and Rina Sawayama, who herself made headlines over the weekend taking a swipe at Taylor Swift’s last rumoured beau, Matt Healey of The 1975.

However it was the emotional singalongs that captured the audience during his set; a stirring rendition of “Candle In The Wind” set to a montage of Marilyn Monroe and his penultimate song, “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me,” eliciting tears from the performer as he dedicated the song to it’s original collaborator, the late George Michael, who would have turned 60 yesterday.

How else could Sir Elton John have brought his two hour performance at his first, and last, Glastonbury Festival? By leading a singalong of “Rocket Man” to close the show, with those disappointed with a lack of Spears receiving a consolation prize of “Hold Me Closer” played over the sound system as he left the stage.

We’re pretty certain here at PeopleWorld that Sir Elton John’s Glastonbury Festival debut is set to go down in history as one of the biggest debut performances to take place on the Pyramid Stage. But what else would you expect from the performer on his farewell tour?

Who were the guests that dueted with Sir Elton John at Glastonbury 2023?

Though there was some familiarity with one of the choices for a duet, The Killers’ frontman Brandon Flowers, there was some unfamiliarity with the other people who guested with him. PeopleWorld took a quick look at three of those who took to the Pyramid Stage with Sir Elton; Riya Sawayama, Stephen Sanchez and Jacob Lusk.

Jacob Lusk

Jacob Lusk is an American singer known for his captivating performances and soulful voice. He first gained recognition as a finalist on the tenth season of "American Idol" in 2011. Born on June 23, 1987, in Compton, California, Lusk left a lasting impression on both the judges and viewers with his powerful vocal range and energetic stage presence. After his time on the show, Lusk continued to pursue his musical career, collaborating with various artists and taking on new projects.

In 2016, Lusk became a member of the English-American band Gabriels, alongside Ryan Hope and Ari Balouzian. The band's unique blend of gospel, doo-wop, and jazz styles showcased Lusk's versatility as a performer. Their debut EP, "Love and Hate in a Different Time," released in June 2021, received critical acclaim, with Elton John hailing it as "one of the most seminal records I've heard in the past 10 years." The band's subsequent releases, including their second EP "Blame" and their debut album "Angels & Queens," further solidified their position in the music industry.

Stephen Sanchez

Stephen Sanchez is an up-and-coming American singer-songwriter based in Nashville, Tennessee. He gained attention with his debut EP, "What Was, Not Now," released in October 2021. Sanchez's heartfelt songwriting and captivating vocals have been well-received, leading to his rise in the music industry.

Sanchez's journey began on TikTok, where he attracted a following through covers and original music. A pivotal moment came when singer-songwriter Jeremy Zucker offered to produce his song "Lady by the Sea." This led to a deal with Republic Records and the release of his EP. Sanchez's single "Until I Found You" peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 and UK Singles Chart. With his emotive music resonating with audiences, Sanchez continues to release new music, including collaborations and singles like "Missing You" and "Only Girl." 

Rina Sawayama

Rina Sawayama is a British-Japanese singer, songwriter, and model. Born on August 16, 1990, in Niigata, Japan, she moved to the United Kingdom with her family at the age of five. Sawayama gained recognition for her unique blend of pop, R&B, and rock, often incorporating elements of nu-metal and electronic music into her sound.

Sawayama's breakthrough came with the release of her self-titled debut studio album, "Sawayama," in 2020. The album received critical acclaim for its exploration of themes such as identity, cultural heritage, and the impact of technology. It showcased Sawayama's versatility as an artist, with tracks ranging from high-energy pop anthems to introspective ballads.

Prior to her debut album, Sawayama had released a series of singles and EPs, steadily building a dedicated fan base. She gained attention for her bold and thought-provoking lyrics, addressing topics like racial identity, mental health, and LGBTQ+ rights.

What did Sir Elton John perform during his Glastonbury 2023 set?

Setlist.FM have provided a full setlist of the two-hour long performance Sir Elton John gave at the Pyramid Stage at the last night of Glastonbury 2023.

• Pinball Wizard (The Who cover) 
• The Bitch Is Back
• Bennie and the Jets
• Daniel
• Goodbye Yellow Brick Road
• I Guess That's Why They Call It the Blues
• Philadelphia Freedom
• Are You Ready for Love (with Jacob Lusk and the  London Community Gospel Choir)
• Sad Songs (Say So Much) (with the London Community Gospel Choir)
• Someone Saved My Life Tonight
• Until I Found You (Stephen Sanchez cover - with Stephen Sanchez)
• Your Song
• Candle in the Wind
• Tiny Dancer (with Brandon Flowers)
• Don't Go Breaking My Heart (with Rina Sawayama)
• Crocodile Rock
• Saturday Night's Alright for Fighting
• I'm Still Standing
• Cold Heart
• Don't Let the Sun Go Down on Me
• Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)

How can I rewatch Sir Elton John’s Glastonbury 2023 set?

BBC iPlayer will continue to have coverage of Glastonbury Festival 2023 on demand for the next seven days, including Sir Elton John’s triumphant performance on the Pyramid Stage and Queens Of The Stone Age returning to Worthy Farm, performing on the Other Stage at the same time as Sir Elton.

What tour dates has Sir Elton John left on his “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour?

Though Glastonbury Festival 2023 was Sir Elton John’s last UK performance, his tour has yet to finish, with dates in Paris, Zurich, Copenhagen and Stockholm to be completed. Ticketing information and those specific tour dates can be found at Sir Elton John’s website.