Elton John and Britney Spears have released their high-profile collaboration, ‘Hold Me Closer’. The new track was first teased last month, with reports suggesting Spears would be releasing a cover of Elton’s ‘Tiny Dancer’ as her first new recording in six years.
Confirmed earlier this month, the new recording has been described as both a “remix” and a “duet”, with the pair working to create a new track based on Sir Elton’s 1971 original. Produced by Andrew Watt (Miley Cyrus, Eddie Vedder), the resulting track also includes elements of John’s songs ‘Don’t Go Breaking My Heart’ and ‘The One’.
Elton John & Britney Spears – ‘Hold Me Closer’
According to a statement, the pair first discussed collaborating together following a meeting at the 22nd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party in 2014. The following year, a tweet from Spears in which she professed her love for ‘Tiny Dancer’ planted the seed for the specific nature of the collaboration. The track eventually came to fruition this year, after Spears’13-year-long conservatorship came to an end.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have had the chance to work with Britney Spears; she truly is an icon, one of the all-time great pop stars and she sounds amazing on this record,” John said in a statement. “I love her dearly and am delighted with what we’ve created together.”
“I was so honoured when the incredible Sir Elton John asked me to join him on one of his most iconic songs,” said Spears. “Thank you, Elton, for having me! I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work with you and your legendary mind.”
Sir Elton recently announced he would return to Australia in 2023, adding a series of encore shows to his ‘Farewell Yellow Brick Road’ tour, which he first brought to Australia back in 2020. See dates and details here.
Further Reading
Britney Spears Reveals Her New Book Will Be Released This Year
Elton John Dedicates ‘Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me’ To Taylor Hawkins
Britney Spears Teases New Music While Hitting Out At Her Family On Social Media
