John Farnham has been honoured for his contribution to Australian music at Sunday night’s Logie Awards, with Guy Sebastian and Jess Mauboy paying heartfelt tribute to the superstar.
Farnham, 75, underwent a 12-hour surgery in August 2022, after being diagnosed with throat cancer, after doctors removed a tumour from his mouth and reconstructed his jaw.
He has since been given the “all clear” following the marathon surgery.
At Sunday’s Logies, the tribute was kicked-off by entertainer David Campbell.
“He sold over six million albums, had a career that spanned 60 years and is one of the best live performers the world has ever seen,” Campbell told the A-listers.
“We want to acknowledge John’s wife Jill, his sons, Robert and James, and his close friend, Glenn Wheatley’s wife Gaynor and their son, Tim Wheatley. But, most importantly tonight, it’s about celebrating you, John. You are an Aussie icon. You are the voice, mate,” he added.
Following the tribute, Sebastian then took to the stage to perform an emotional rendition of the classic 1990 hit, Burn for You.
He was then joined with Mauboy, with the pair performing his 1986 mega-hit, You’re The Voice.
The rendition saw gathered TV stars jump to their feet, joining in the lyrics of the songs, before giving a rousing applause.
During the ceremony, viewers were thrilled by the performance.
“Gotta say it: the Logies tribute to John Farnham was spectacular. What did you think?” one X, formerly Twitter, user wrote.
“Your performance was sooo good. Loved it. Your voice. Highlight of the evening. You look beautiful,” another viewer wrote on Jessica Mauboy’s Instagram.
“Absolutely smashed it (Jessica and Guy) tonight,” another wrote.
At the ceremony, John Farnham: Finding The Voice, which charts the singer’s storied career, took home the Logie for Best Factual and Documentary Program during the night.
Finding Your Voice was the highest grossing documentary when it screened in cinemas last year and will air on Channel 7 again on Monday.
On Friday, Farnham’s sons Rob and James Farnham joined Nat and Shirvo on Sunrise, giving an update on the singer, who was last pictured at Rob’s wedding back in June.
“He’s doing really well,” Rob said.
“Every day is another step forward, as it is for everyone with cancer. He’s just gotta keep moving forward and keeping positive, and you know, keep driving forward. That’s what it’s about.”
