Rock icon Melissa Etheridge talks with Elvis Duran about her historic coming out in the early ’90s, the risks that came with it, and how authenticity reshaped both her career and public perception. Melissa reflects on how music can be a catalyst for change and what it means to be an Elton John Impact Award honoree.

<p>Rock icon Melissa Etheridge talks with Elvis Duran about her historic coming out in the early &rsquo;90s, the risks that came with it, and how authenticity reshaped both her career and public perception. Melissa reflects on how music can be a catalyst for change and what it means to be an Elton John Impact Award honoree.</p>

Elton John Impact Awards honors the cultural icons championing equality for everyone. Inspiration meets impact in an unforgettable celebration of voices changing the world. Hosts Billy Porter and Elvis Duran lead a series of intimate and candid conversations with Elton John, David Furnish, and six incredible honorees whose work has shaped culture, advanced equality, and driven positive change for the LGBTQ+ community - Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck, and Chappell Roan. These awards are all about recognizing those who cleared the path for us, and the ones who are lighting the way for future generations.

<p>Elton John Impact Awards honors the cultural icons championing equality for everyone. Inspiration meets impact in an unforgettable celebration of voices changing the world. Hosts Billy Porter and Elvis Duran lead a series of intimate and candid conversations with Elton John, David Furnish, and six incredible honorees whose work has shaped culture, advanced equality, and driven positive change for the LGBTQ+ community - Jonathan Bailey, Laverne Cox, Melissa Etheridge, Billie Jean King, Orville Peck, and Chappell Roan. These awards are all about recognizing those who cleared the path for us, and the ones who are lighting the way for future generations.</p>

Elton John Impact Awards

Honoree: Melissa Etheridge (2026)

https://api.omny.fm/orgs/e73c998e-6e60-432f-8610-ae210140c5b1/clips/27b7a6ca-281b-402c-8706-b45100bed644/transcript