Elton and his partner David Furnish admitted they had received criticism for their plan to perform at his post-Oscars bash to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation.

While the cream of Hollywood were dithering until the last minute about whether to attend the Oscars despite the war, it was a breath of fresh air to hear Sir Elton John declare: "The show must go on." Elton and his partner David Furnish admitted they had received criticism for their plan to perform at his post-Oscars bash to raise funds for the Elton John Aids Foundation.

Elton said: "We've had to step into line with everyone, so there's no red carpet or interviews with celebrities when they arrive. I would have liked to have kept the red carpet, but some people didn't want to be put on the spot and asked about the war."

Elton's glitzy fundraiser, which is in its 11th year, was due to take place at Los Angeles's swanky Marquee club. "It should be a great turnout," said Elton before the event. "We're hoping we get more celebrities at our party than any other year. If they're going to go anywhere, we're hoping they'll want to go to the one that raises money for charity. We usually raise between $500,000 and $1million."

David admitted: "It's horrible what's going on in the Middle East, but the fight against HIV and Aids must continue."

Elton continued: "This year's ceremony might turn out to be so serious and up itself you want to throw up - but it's not going to make any difference to our troops if Nicole Kidman turns up wearing sequins or not!"

At the party, Elton John, John Mayer and Anastasia harmonized on The Bitch Is Back. The event raised $600,000. Everyone was sniffing, not because the rendition was so moving but because he'd given 1,000 guests his compressed potpourri rocks, which also raise money for the fund.

Among those in attendance: "Will & Grace" actors Eric McCormack (who scored a men's Chopard watch prize by having the most award predictions correct on his ballot) and Harry Connick Jr.; "E.T." actor Henry Thomas; "Queer As Folk" actress Sharon Gless; Nicolas Cage, Matthew McCaughhey, Carmen Electra and rocker squeeze Dave Navarro; Sugar Ray vocalist Mark McGrath; pop star Anastasia; Tim Allen; "Hairspray" director John Waters and Meg Tilly.

Diners enjoyed spinach and cheese ravioli, grilled veal chops, a butter lettuce salad, a cheese course and warm apple dumplings. The room was tastefully designed with a warm red and yellow color scheme with fresh daffodils adorning each table. Elton was thrilled that Eminem won for "Best Song" while "Best Actor" nominee Adrien Brody scored for "The Pianist." Elton said: "It shows the Academy really did watch this year's films."

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