Sir Elton John ‘humbled’ after getting highest accolade in New Year Honours

Sir Elton John said he is “humbled” after receiving the highest acknowledgement in the New Year Honours.

The singer-songwriter has enjoyed a glittering career in pop music spanning six decades, in which he sold more than 300 million records around the world.

Sir Elton, 72, has also dedicated much of his life to charity, including his own Aids foundation, and earlier this year he was the subject of a Hollywood biopic.

In the New Year Honours it was announced the musician, who was knighted for services to music and charitable services in 1998, had been awarded the Companion of Honour.

He tweeted: “I’m humbled and honoured to be among such highly esteemed company in receiving the Companion of Honour.

“2019 has turned out to be a truly wonderful year for me and I feel extraordinarily blessed.”

Sir Elton was far from the only showbiz figure to be honoured.

Actress Olivia Newton John, best known for starring in beloved musical Grease, has been made a dame for services to charity, cancer research and entertainment.

Oscar-winning filmmaker Sam Mendes – who has directed two James Bond movies – receives a knighthood for his contribution to drama.

12 Years A Slave director Steve McQueen also becomes a knight for services to film.

Several musicians have also made the list.

Billy Ocean, 69, born Leslie Sebastian Charles, becomes an MBE for services to music.

Snow Patrol lead singer Gary Lightbody is made an OBE for services to music and charity in Northern Ireland after he set up the Lightbody Foundation, which gives annual donations to charities across the country.