Elton John to Appear on ABC's 'Nashville'

Season four of Nashville is winding down with a dramatic finish slated for next month and another special guest star in the mix as iconic entertainer Elton John will play himself in the ABC series' penultimate episode of the season. According to the Hollywood Reporter, John's Nashville appearance — airing May 18th — will include a performance with Sam Palladio's character Gunnar. 

This isn't Sir Elton's first foray into the world of country music. He and lyricist Bernie Taupin have penned a handful of country songs John has recorded in the nearly 50 years they have been collaborating. In 1994, when the openly gay vocalist joined Tammy Wynette on her album Without Walls, John joked that the duet brought together "the queen of country and the queen of England." A few years later, the "Goodbye Yellow Brick Road" singer joined Ryan Adams for an episode of CMT's genre-blending Crossroads series. He also appeared on the CMA Awards in 2005, performing with Dolly Parton.

Both the 69-year-old music legend and Palladio, his Nashville co-star, are native Brits, although Palladio's character on the show hails from Texas. Wonderful Crazy Night, Elton John's 32nd LP, was released in February and was produced by former Nashville executive music producer T Bone Burnett, who is married to Nashville creator Callie Khouri.

Other recently announced guest stars on upcoming Nashville episodes include Kelsea Ballerini and Thomas Rhett. The show airs Wednesdays at 10 p.m. on ABC.