Elton John was presented the inaugural BRITs Icon award during a gala event and concert on Monday. The six-time Grammy winner and Oscar recipient received the new honor from British music industry trade organization BPI.

Designed as an extension of the annual BRIT Awards ceremony, which is the U.K.'s largest music awards show, the new award is dedicated to artists who have made a "lasting impact."

In attendance were celebrities as Liz Hurley, Take That star and X Factor U.K. judge Gary Barlow and James Blunt.