Elton changes tune over Bush

Sir Elton John is famed for his outbursts and diva-ish tantrums. So when he was invited to a presidential reception, hosted by George W Bush, the organisers must have been praying the Rocket Man would not explode.

Two weeks ago Sir Elton hit out at the US president, saying he was "the worst thing that has ever happened to America".

"I just wanna scream," he said. "It's a nightmare. These idiots think they can get away with anything ... it enrages me that people can just smirk their way through it."

But the 57-year-old entertainer managed to keep his cool when he met Mr Bush in person. Perhaps it had something to do with the fact that the party had been organised in his honour.

Sir Elton was one of six entertainment legends to be honoured for their lifetime's contribution to American culture at the 27th Annual Kennedy Center Awards.

Actor Warren Beatty, Australian soprano Dame Joan Sutherland, Star Wars and Jaws composer and conductor John Williams, and husband-andwife actors, writers and producers Ossie Davis and Ruby Dee were also honoured.

The award "is about the icing on the cake", said Sir Elton, who has sold more than 60 million albums in his 30-year career. "It's incredible for someone who's British to be given such an accolade from America."