The Logies paid tribute to one of Australia’s greatest icons on Sunday night.
David Campbell took to the stage to praise John Farnham and list the singer’s professional achievements and the numerous awards he received following his courageous battle with cancer.
“He sold more than six million albums, had a career that spanned 60 years and is one of the greatest live performers the world has ever seen,” David said.
“We want to acknowledge John’s wife Jill, his sons Robert and James, and his great friend Glenn Wheatley’s wife Gaynor and son Tim Wheatley. But most importantly tonight we’re honouring you, John. You’re an Australian icon. You’re the voice, man,” he added.
David then introduced singers Guy Sebastian and Jess Mauboy, who performed some of Farnham’s greatest hits, including You’re The Voice.
Viewers at home found the tribute to be in poor taste, with many commenting on X that while John has been battling cancer, he has not died, and the onstage eulogies made it seem as though the pop star had passed away.
“I understand John had a medical checkup and had some health issues recently but he didn’t pass away. Plus he’d be better at the Arias, you know, the Australian music awards,” one viewer wrote on X.
“RIP John Farnham I didn’t know he had passed away,” another joked, while another said: “OMG FARNSY IS STILL ALIVE. This is not a eulogy.”
Guy Sebastian and Jess Mauboy performed one of John Farnham’s biggest hits, You’re The Voice, at the Logies on Sunday.
Viewers at home found the tribute to be in poor taste, with many commenting on X that while John has been battling cancer, he has not died, and the onstage eulogies made it seem as though the pop star had passed away.
“Look, I understand Farnsy is a national treasure, but he’s not dead. Can we please stop acting like he’s dead?” another person posted.
Others were pleased with the tribute, with one person writing: “I think it’s best to celebrate our talented icons while they’re still alive. We love you John.”
“Jessica Mauboy, you’re the perfect voice! That was perfect,” wrote another, with another adding: “It’s fitting that Jess and Guy sing a tribute to John Farnham.”
In August 2023, Farnham revealed that she was cancer-free, 12 months after undergoing oral surgery in 2022.
Farnham’s family had previously provided updates on behalf of the Australian music legend, following the August 2022 procedure.
While some mocked the performance, others enjoyed it.
Speaking on Sunrise, John’s son Robert said his father was “doing fantastically” after 12-hour surgery for throat cancer.
The That’s Freedom hitmaker was also hospitalised after developing a chest infection following surgery to remove a cancerous tumour in his mouth.
Farnham is “unlikely” to return to acting after undergoing marathon surgery to remove a tumour from his mouth.
The operation, which was carried out by 26 medical professionals, also removed a large part of his jaw.
Farnham only discovered he had the cancerous growth in his mouth after his wife Jill insisted on taking him to the doctor for a check-up when he developed a persistent mouth ulcer.
In April, John revealed he was publishing his own candid memoir titled The Voice Inside, more than a year after his surgery for mouth cancer.
In August 2023, Farnham revealed that he was cancer-free, 12 months after undergoing oral surgery in 2022. Pictured before the procedure.