Renowned musician Sir Elton John has been named the laureate of the 2025 Glenn Gould Prize, marking a significant accolade in a career spanning decades. This prestigious award, which has previously honored a variety of creative figures, sees John as only the second recipient from the rock genre after the late Leonard Cohen.

About the Glenn Gould Prize

The Glenn Gould Prize was inaugurated in 1987 by The Glenn Gould Foundation. It stands as a tribute to the legacy of the legendary Canadian pianist Glenn Gould, particularly noted for his celebrated 1956 recording of Bach’s Goldberg Variations. Following Gould’s passing in 1982 at the young age of 50, the foundation continues to uphold his legacy, having awarded him a posthumous lifetime achievement award from the Recording Academy in 2013.

Elton John’s Statement

Reacting to the news, Sir Elton reflected, “After spending decades admiring the virtuosity of Glenn Gould’s work, I am awestruck and honored to receive this award.” His impressive collection of accolades includes the Kennedy Center Honors, the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song, the Grammy Legend Award, and induction into the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame, showcasing his extensive contributions to music and the arts.

The Prize Details

Bestowed biennially, the Glenn Gould Prize consists of a cash award of CAD $100,000 for the laureate, who also selects an exceptional young artist to receive the Glenn Gould Protégé Prize of CAD $25,000.

Selection Process and Impact

The selection process for this honor falls under the jurisdiction of a jury, with Rt. Hon. Kim Campbell, former Prime Minister of Canada, serving as this year’s jury chair. In her remarks, Campbell emphasized John’s vast artistic accomplishments and the profound impact he has had beyond mere performance: “Elton John has used his enormous talent and his great success to change lives.” She noted his advocacy for numerous causes, including AIDS awareness, LGBTQ+ rights, and addiction rehabilitation, illustrating his commitment to leveraging his influence for social change.

More on the Legacy of Glenn Gould

According to Brian Levine, CEO of the Glenn Gould Foundation, “Elton John embodies the spirit of artistic excellence, innovation, and profound humanity that The Glenn Gould Prize was created to celebrate.” Levine highlighted Gould’s vision of employing music as a catalyst for positive change, which John has exhibited throughout his remarkable career.

A Special Ceremony Ahead

The announcement coincided with a public event held at Kings Place in London, featuring performances from notable artists, including South African soprano Pumeza Matshikiza and Canadian piano prodigy Ryan Wang. The award presentation is scheduled for a special gala in Toronto this fall.

Complete List of Glenn Gould Prize Recipients

• 1987: R. Murray Shafer
• 1990: Yehudi Menuhin
• 1993: Oscar Peterson
• 1996: Tōru Takemitsu
• 1999: Yo-Yo Ma
• 2002: Pierre Boulez
• 2005: André Previn
• 2008: José Antonio Abreu
• 2011: Leonard Cohen
• 2013: Robert Lepage
• 2015: Philip Glass
• 2018: Jessye Norman
• 2020: Alanis Obomsawin
• 2022: Gustavo Dudamel
• 2025: Sir Elton John