Elton John Jokes About His Eyesight Issues, Cheers on Trent Reznor & Atticus Ross at Golden Globes

Naturally, the 2025 Golden Globes boasted a slew of stars — in the audience, receiving awards and presenting awards. But even in a room of acclaimed actors, A-listers and visionary talents, one person stood out. After all, who else at the Beverly Hilton in Beverly Hill, Calif., on Sunday (Jan. 5) could claim to be bona fide musical royalty except for Sir Elton John?

Sir Elton took the stage alongside pal (and fellow Grammy winner) Brandi Carlile, who co-wrote the song “Never Too Late” for his documentary Elton John: Never Too Late with him. The rock icon took a moment to set the record straight about his recent eyesight issues…kind of.

“It’s a very special night for me to be here because, I don’t know if you know, but there’s been stories going around about my regressive eyesight,” John said. “I just want to reassure everybody – it’s not as bad as it seems. I’m so pleased to be here with my co-host, Rihanna,” he said, pointing to Carlile.

Last November, during a stop by Good Morning America, John opened up about his eyesight problems. “I unfortunately lost my eyesight in my right eye in July because I had an infection in the South of France,” he said. “It’s been four months now since I haven’t been able to see. And my left eye is not the greatest.”

John and Carlile both presented the award for best original score – motion picture, which went to Trent Reznor and Atticus Ross for Challengers. When Carlile announced that the Nine Inch Nails duo had won, John raised both fists into the air and let out a huge cheer.

The Golden Globes are produced by Dick Clark Productions, which is owned by Penske Media Corporation. PMC is also the parent company of Billboard.