Elton John's “Bennie And The Jets” performed by Jacob Lusk of Gabriels | The Gershwin Prize | PBS

Jacob Lusk of the band Gabriels performs "Bennie And The Jets" at the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song concert honoring Elton John and Bernie Taupin at DAR Constitution Hall in Washington, D.C., March 30, 2024.

"Bennie and the Jets" first appeared on Elton John's 1973 album Goodbye Yellow Brick Road. Jacob Lusk is known for his British-American band Gabriels, and also appeared on American Idol in 2011.

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About the Gershwin Prize:
The Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song is the nation’s highest award for influence, impact and achievement in the field of popular song. It was established in 2007 to recognize and honor the artists whose creative works, both printed and recorded, are collected, preserved, made accessible, and valued by the nation’s library. It acknowledges the preeminent place of popular song in modern society and its vital role in expressing and deepening the personal and shared values of our time.

Gershwin Honorees are selected by the Librarian of Congress in consultation with music specialists within the Library, former Gershwin Prize Honorees, and eminent outside experts in the field, including scholars, publishers, producers, composers and performers.

[GregBry]

The fact Sir Elton John just looks like a regular excited fan is insane!

[awwfunkme]

I have NEVER heard of this guy.

I will NEVER forget this guy.

[BabyLambCreations]

Jacob Lusk really took me to church with his amazing voice. This has to be the greatest cover of “Bennie and the Jets” I’ve ever heard. Not to mention Adam Chester was awesome playing Elton’s piano.

[jewelqueen]

Elton almost looked like he just heard this song for the first time!!!

[marlenesaundersshow]

Is anyone going to acknowledge the phenomenal pianist 😳???

[landonlaw]

Mad respect to the piano player just absolutely vibing every time he’s on camera

[marsac]

No clue who this guy is, but to stand on stage, in front of Sir Elton John, and light that song up is pretty amazing 👏

[scotttimothy]

The young man simply stole the show. And rarely have I seen Elton light up like that.

[leafpeeper]

Has anyone else listened to this performance at least 10 times?

update: 60+ 🤣

[everythingdana]

HE DID THAT!!! HIS RANGE IS AMAZING!!! Now this is how you honor a tribute.

[mojojojo]

He's waited his entire life for this performance.

[morganrosalyn]

CMON NEPHEW!!! I watched this and sang and cheered like it was a FIRST SUNDAY EVENING PROGRAM.

[valeriejones]

LOVE how the crowd is grooving and ELTON is elated

[murfdog]

This guy was an American Idol contestant years ago. I remember him being in the top ten.

[mariewaters]

I’m 69 and this is up there with the best live performances ever!!

[bstapleton]

This is the great thing about YouTube. We get to see things we likely never got to see. Never heard of this guy, missed the PBS event, and that is sad for me but here it is. This guy took us to church just like he wanted to. He had that crowd ON THEIR FEET one line into the song, including Elton and Bernie. Talk about bringing the house down!

[kevinharris]

It is wonderful seeing Elton John positive response to someone singing his classic song. Jacob took us to church on this song and made it his own.

[debbycoley]

He's got the choir and the congregation in his voice.

[tahjjj]

I don’t know who the singer is but Sir Elton John looked like he was feeling this music in his spirit this night! And he doesn’t seem to be the only one! Lovely performance!

[chrisamxy]

This young man is an entertainer on every level.