Taupin, Elton Recall Diana In Acceptance Speeches

The following are Bernie Taupin's and Elton John's acceptance speeches at the Billboard Music Awards Dec. 8 after receiving multiple honors for 'Candle In The Wind 1997.'
Bernie Taupin:
'The only description for this is very bittersweet. As you can imagine, I'd sooner not be standing here today receiving something that relates to a tragic moment in time, a moment that will be embedded in our hearts for a lifetime.
'On the other hand, I'm proud of what the song has achieved. I only wish that the ugly head of cynicism that speaks for the shallow and ignorant to take a moment out from its selfish quest for the negative, to see that in her tragic death, Diana will help literally thousands to survive all manner of physical and mental obstacles.
'So before we let the thin ice of compassion melt, let's remember that out of one terrible tragedy any amount of miracles can be performed, courtesy of people who care--people from every corner of the world, people who want to make a difference, people like yourselves. Speaking of people who make a difference, courtesy of technology, my old buddy Elton.'
Elton John:
'I'm sorry I couldn't be there with you tonight, but I'm here in New York at the Fashion Institute tribute to Gianni Versace.
'I'm very honored to receive all these Billboard Music Awards and this special award.
'As you all know, this award was born out of tragic circumstance, but I wouldn't be receiving this award; Bernie, we wouldn't have rerecorded the song; and people wouldn't have responded to it, if not for the fact that Diana was not only our friend, but a great friend to the world. And that is the saving grace of this moment.
'The only positive thing that has come out of Diana leaving us is that, thanks to people who bought the single, Diana's work will continue. In England during the past 15 years, there was no better friend to charity. If your cause was just, Diana was there. She came through for me and so many others every time we needed her.
'So, Bernie, as I accept this honor in Diana's name, everybody watching should know the sales of this record have already raised millions of dollars for the Diana, Princess of Wales Memorial Fund--money that will go directly to help the people and causes that Princess Diana so deeply cared about.
'I would be remiss if I didn't thank both my manager John Reid and Sir George Martin, who produced the single. And I'm sure they join Bernie and me in thanking Billboard magazine for helping us remember our beloved friend.'

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