Elton John talks shining a light on new talent as Rocket Hour turns 10
Sir Elton John's Rocket Hour is celebrating its 10th anniversary this weekend.
Whether it's FaceTiming them, inviting them to hang out in his dressing room, or having them join him on his Rocket Hour show on Apple Music 1, Sir Elton John has, for years, gone all out to champion new talent.
As Elton John’s Rocket Hour turns 10 on Saturday (15.11.25), the Rocket Man himself is joined by special guests Olivia Dean, Blood Orange (Dev Hynes), Channel Tres to celebrate the milestone.
Since its debut in 2015, Rocket Hour has become a cornerstone of Apple Music 1, blending fresh discoveries with deep cuts and timeless classics. Every episode is curated by Elton himself, offering listeners not just music but personal reflections and stories from his legendary career. Over the past decade, the show has celebrated creativity in all its forms - from unsigned newcomers to global superstars - with Elton guiding every playlist and conversation.
To date, Rocket Hour has aired 446 episodes, with Elton dedicating more than 1,000 hours to discovering and researching new music. He’s championed over 3,000 artists and 6,700 tracks, giving vital exposure to emerging voices. Across 212 interviews, guests have included Brandon Flowers, Ed Sheeran, Billie Eilish, Noel Gallagher, Kacey Musgraves, and Damon Albarn. He’s also spotlighted rising stars like Sam Fender, RAYE, Chappell Roan, Lola Young, Skye Newman, Sienna Spiro, and Wet Leg.
Elton, 78, said: “You don’t give up on a young artist because the first album might not do well.
“If I believe in them, I keep going. Seeing them flourish—it’s like watering a plant and watching it blossom into something beautiful.”
The 10th anniversary episode, recorded at Apple’s new Los Angeles studios, reunites Elton with Zane Lowe, who helped launch Rocket Hour. Together, they reflect on a decade of discovery and the artists who’ve shaped their musical journeys.
Zane told Elton: “You are the spiritual North Star of Apple Music Radio.
“You’ve given so many artists the confidence to keep going—and given us confidence too.”
Olivia Dean, Blood Orange (Dev Hynes), and Channel Tres have each been supported by Elton early in their careers.
During the show, Elton and Zane sit down with Olivia Dean, whose meteoric rise from Glastonbury to six sold-out nights at The O2 has marked her as one of Britain’s brightest new talents. He also speaks with Dev Hynes about his creative process, his new album, and recent performances at The Shrine in LA. Elton reconnects with Channel Tres, whose breakout track Controller holds the record as the most-played song in Rocket Hour history.
Check out a preview below:
