ELTON, CELINE AND THE BIZ HONOR MARCIANO AT CITY OF HOPE GALA

You can tell everybody that this is his song.

Elton John played three songs, Celine Dion made a surprise appearance and David Blaine extinguished a small fire with a torrent of water from inside his body at the annual City of Hope gala honoring AEG Chairman/CEO Jay Marciano last night (10/22) in Los Angeles.

Introduced by Dion in an emotional speech, Marciano received the Spirit of Life Award in recognition of his philanthropic and humanitarian efforts. “The live entertainment industry has a unique ability to create powerful moments that inspire change,” Marciano said. “Tonight’s success is a testament to the incredible impact our industry can have when we unite for a common cause. I am deeply honored to receive the Spirit of Life Award, and I am grateful for the opportunity to support City of Hope’s goal to end cancer.”

A live-biz-heavy contingent was on hand to celebrate, donate, enjoy food by chef Evan Funke and hear an inspiring testimonial from 27-year-old City of Hope patient Melody Shahsavarani, who has survived Hodgkin's lymphoma.

A playful video featuring COH stalwarts Irving Azoff, Jody Gerson, Evan Lamberg, Alissa Pollack and Jay himself (not to mention plenty of surprise guests) spoofed the process of making Marciano the honoree.

This year's campaign has raised $7.5m so far, with direct donations supplemented by auctions of such goodies as Super Bowl tickets, VIP access to AEG festivals and a Rolex specially engraved as a gift for John in honor of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour (the latter item introduced by Bernie Taupin). John closed the evening with a set including "Your Song," "Tiny Dancer" and "Rocket Man (I Think It's Going to Be a Long, Long Time)."

The Marciano fam

UMG overlord Sir Lucian Grainge and Jay

Celine and Jay

iHeart/Rock & Roll Hall of Fame topper John Sykes, Sony Publishing chief Jon Platt, Epic Chair/CEO Sylvia Rhone, Marciano, UMPG's Evan Lamberg, Pollack and CAA's Rob Light

Photos: Getty Images for City of Hope/Michael Der for City of Hope