Radio Music Awards

October 26, 2001

Robert presents Elton John with the Radio Music Legend Award

Transcript by: me!





After commercial break, we come back to the Radio Music Awards in Las Vegas where Elton John is at the piano, beginning to play "I Want Love". Behind him is a huge screen that is showing the music video, with a very handsome Mr. Downey lip-synching the lyrics. After the song, the audience gives him a standing ovation, as the announcer introduces ......

Announcer: Ladies and Gentlemen ... Robert Downey, Jr.!

[Robert comes out, holding the Legend Award in his hands. The audience cheers. Elton gives him a kiss.]

Robert: (under his breath, waiting for the long applause to stop) Any day now. Woo!! Well ...

[Audience is still cheering]

Elton: Hello Darling.

Robert: Hi!

Elton: Hi!

Robert: Well done!

Elton: Thank you.

Robert: I think he did a great cover of my song tonight.

[audience laughs]

Robert: I must say, it really is a great pleasure to be here tonight and it's an incredible honor to present the 2001 Radio Music Legend Award to Elton John.

[audience applauds + cheers]

Robert: Elton, you know, you've received just about every honor available to an artist, performer, and humanitarian and, more important, through music you have enriched the lives of countless people by expressing your profound feelings and emotions in a most successful way.

[audience applauds]

Robert: Your philanthropy is as legendary as your music. The Elton John AIDS Foundation has raised millions for research. [audience cheers] Much of it from the contributions of your royalties. And the biggest selling single in history is your Candle in the Wind 1997.

[audience cheers]

Robert: It's funny because now when I think of Marilyn Monroe, I mean, I think of you.

[audience laughs]

Elton: Oh!

Robert: I think of myself as Joe Dimaggio. I think of your skirt blowing up.

Elton: (amused) Do you really?

[Robert hugs Elton and gives him a kiss on the cheek. Audience cheers]

Robert: Regardless, he assured that all the proceeds were donated to the Princess of Wales memorial fund. He speaks for international community from the sick and the down trodden to those who need reminders that being a human being comes with responsiblities. And through all this, you've never stopped giving us your great gift of entertainment. Thank you.

Elton: Thank you.

[audience applauds + cheers]

Robert: You heard a lot about radio tonight. You've heard a lot of Elton John on the radio since forever. This honor is presented to Elton John on behalf of people like you that keep it turned on. Ladies and Gentlemen, the 2001 Radio Music Award Legend .... Elton John!

[Robert gives the award to Elton. Audience gives another standing ovation]

Elton: Thank you very much. Thank you. Thank you, Robert, for those really kind words. Thank you for coming tonight, for doing the video, for looking so great and doing so well. We love you very much. [audience cheers. Robert smiles and gives a little bow to the audience] Thank you very much also to the radio people. I mean, this is my 32nd year on American radio. Without them, I would be nowhere. Um, they supported me from the very beginning, which is great to support young artists, to get your first record played on the radio... you will never forget hearing it in the car. It's a magic moment. And to all the younger artists, you know, I looked at the bill tonight and I... everybody's age doesn't even equal mine. [audience laughs] But you know, it is the Sugar Rays and the Destiny's Child...... and those people that keep me going, 'cause I get inspiration from them and I get inspiration because I listen to the radio. And the Mary J. Blige, who I absolutely adore. [audience cheers] Absolutely! So, this old hodger keeps young at heart by listening to you guys down there. Thank you very much to everybody for your years of support. Thank you.

[Elton gives the award back to Robert]

Robert: Hey, will you give us another song?

Elton: Yeah. All right. [walks back to the piano]

Robert: He's gonna give us another song!

[Robert waves and then exits off the stage]


Elton then plays "Your Song".




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