World News for Students of English

28-09-2022 15:00

The British icon Sir Elton John has performed on some of the world’s biggest stages.

On Friday, a smaller audience of 2,000 people welcomed him at the White House. The audience included teachers, nurses, front line workers, and LGBTQ advocates.

Since Joe Biden’s 2020 presidential campaign, the administration has attempted to bring together generations with its choice for music and performance guests. Experts say celebrity endorsements are only effective if the celebrities are familiar, likable, and credible in fans’ eyes.

The White House gig was John’s first since he performed with Stevie Wonder at a dinner in 1998, in honor of British Prime Minister Tony Blair. Elton John has long been an advocate for LGBTQ rights and a major activist in the fight against AIDS.

President Biden and First Lady Jill Biden welcomed the 75-year-old singer, and they discussed his activism, the power of his music, and his all-round goodness. At the end of the show, Biden surprised John with the National Humanities Medal.

Difficult words: front line worker (an employee who provides some essential service to the general public), endorsement (an action that shows support or approval of something or someone), credible (believable or trustworthy).

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