Elton John has always had a flair for the dramatic; on stage, in fashion, and now in his betting habits. The 78-year-old superstar found himself paying up in a big way after making a bold promise about Lola Young’s single “D£aler.”
In a video shared to Instagram on Sept. 21, Elton stood next to the 24-year-old singer and admitted he’d put his house on the line. “I said, ‘Lola, if your single didn’t get to number one, I would give you the keys to my house,’” he explained, dangling the keys with a wry smile.
Young, not missing a beat, shot back: “Yeah, I know. I’ve been waiting.”
A Bet Gone Wrong
When Elton first heard “D£aler” on his Rocket Hour show back in July, he was so convinced it was destined for the top that he made a house-sized wager. “It’s the biggest smash I’ve heard in years,” he raved at the time. “If it isn’t number one, I bet my house.”
Fast-forward two months and the track has peaked at No. 27 on the U.K. charts — not quite the result Elton was banking on. True to his word, he handed Young his keys in the clip, jokingly pleading for permission to crash “the odd night” with his husband, David Furnish.
Her answer? A very firm “No, sorry. It’s mine now.”
“Me and my big mouth”
Elton closed the exchange by muttering, “Me and my big mouth,” an accidental callback to Young’s previous No. 1 hit “Messy,” where she sings about saying too much at the wrong time.
Young kept the gag going in the video caption: “So… since D£aler isn’t no.1 yet, @eltonjohn had to give me his house (as promised). I’m sure this is the last time he’ll make a bet. Thanks @eltonjohn, love ya x.”
On-screen text added an extra jab: “I’m sure Elton spends all day wishing his house was still his too. Sorry buddy.”
Known for her raw, soulful vocals and brutally honest songwriting, the London-born artist broke out with “Messy,” which topped the charts earlier this year. Her latest album, I’m Only F—— Myself, showcases that same mix of sharp wit and vulnerability, proving why Elton himself called “D£aler” the biggest smash he’d heard in years.
Whether or not “D£aler” ever hits No. 1, the cheeky exchange has given the song a viral boost just days after the album’s release. And if nothing else, it proves Elton John is still the king of turning everyday moments into entertainment gold.
We hope you get your house back soon, John! In the meantime you can watch Young’s music video for “D£ealer” here.
