Real Music People

Sir Elton John has been offered $5million to play an hour-long gig for a female Russian tycoon.

Mega-rich Elton, 61, would pocket $1,392 a SECOND if he agrees to perform at the launch of her swish Moscow hotel. A source said: “Initially Elton turned her down because he’s so busy.

“But when the offer crossed the $3.9 million barrier it was too much to refuse, even for someone of his means. And let’s be honest, $5million buys a hell of a lot of flowers. He’s on the verge of saying yes.”

Elton would be flown to the autumn launch by private jet. Security guards would escort him to the hotel in the posh Rublyovka district; where he would play classics, thought likely to include Daniel and Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, before flying straight home.

His fee would be the record paid for a single artist for a gig.

It’s an unlikely pairing, but Elton John and Mary J. Blige will perform a duet at his post-Oscars party.

The superstar singers will take to the stage at Elton’s annual AIDS Foundation bash after the Academy Awards ceremony on Sunday.

Blige said: “Elton John is one of the most inspirational musicians and philanthropists in this industry for me. I respect him with all my heart and it is truly a pleasure to be performing with him on such an important night as we look to raise awareness and vital funds for the fight against HIV and AIDS.”

This is not the first time the pair have collaborated. In 1999, Elton played the piano on the 37-year-old star’s single ‘Deep Inside’. Elton’s annual Oscar party has raised more than $15 million for his charity over the past 15 years.