Sir Elton John will perform live at this year’s Emmy Awards for the first time, the BBC reports. Why now? The veteran singer and musician has signed on to perform a tribute to fellow piano player Liberace.

Liberace’s life is depicted in the HBO biopic “Behind the Candelabra," which premiered at Cannes this year and is nominated for 15 Emmys.

The awards, to be hosted by Neil Patrick Harris, will take place Sept. 22.

Both Michael Douglas and Matt Damon, who appear as Liberace and his lover Scott Thorson in “Candelabra,” are nominated for lead actor in a miniseries or movie for their performances.

Sir Elton John