Leonard Lauder and Elton John arriving at the Breast Cancer Research Foundation’s Hot Pink Party, held in New York City on April 12, 2016.
Photo: Theo Wargo/Getty Images for BCRF
On Tuesday evening (May 12), Elton John took the stage at Manhattan’s waterfront Glasshouse for an exclusive performance at the annual Hot Pink Party. This star-studded gala serves as a vital fundraiser for the Breast Cancer Research Foundation (BCRF), the world’s premier private benefactor of breast cancer research.
A dedicated supporter of the organization, the rock legend delivered a moving six-song set to honor his late friend, Leonard A. Lauder, who passed away last year at 92. Through his long-standing commitment, Lauder played a crucial role in advancing the mission first established by his wife, Evelyn Lauder—the visionary who founded the BCRF in 1993 and popularized the pink ribbon as a universal symbol of hope.
During the performance, John underscored the importance of the foundation’s ongoing work, noting that its network of over 260 researchers across 17 countries remains relentless in the pursuit of a cure. “It isn’t over; we have a lot of work to do,” John told the attendees. He also offered a heartfelt tribute to the researchers, specifically recognizing Dr. Larry Norton as an absolute “genius.”
Sporting a vibrant pink suit and signature eyewear, John opened his set with a timeless rendition of “Your Song.” He continued with a curated selection of favorites, including “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters,” “Tiny Dancer,” “I Guess That’s Why They Call It the Blues,” and a powerful, soul-stirring performance of “Don’t Let the Sun Go Down on Me.” The evening concluded on a high note with “I’m Still Standing,” prompting an enthusiastic crowd—which included the likes of Ashanti, Neil Patrick Harris, and Vera Wang—to join him on their feet.
The 2026 Hot Pink Party, hosted by global ambassador Elizabeth Hurley, successfully raised an impressive $9 million. Thanks in large part to the consistent efforts of BCRF-funded scientists, the U.S. has seen breast cancer mortality rates drop by 44% over the past three decades.
