Photo Credit: Universal Music Group
Elton John and Britney Spears have released their highly anticipated collaboration, “Hold Me Closer.”
Today marks the release of Sir Elton John and Britney Spears’ highly anticipated song collaboration, “Hold Me Closer.” The track is available across all streaming platforms worldwide.
“Hold Me Closer” brings two iconic musicians together for the first time, culminating after the pair first met in 2014 at the 22nd Annual Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards Viewing Party. In 2015, Britney sent a tweet professing her love of Elton’s 1971 hit “Tiny Dancer,” which sparked the idea for the collaboration, finally coming to fruition this summer.
Upon hearing the first cut of the single earlier this summer, Elton John knew Britney’s instantly recognizable vocals were the perfect match to bring the reimagining of the track to life. He reached out to her directly, and she immediately said yes — the resulting track holds promise to be the song of the summer while also marking the first new music from Spears since 2016.
“I am absolutely thrilled to have had the chance to work with Britney Spears,” says Elton John. “She truly is an icon, one of the all-time great pop stars, and she sounds amazing on this record. I love her dearly and am delighted with what we’ve created together.”
“I was so honored when the incredible Sir Elton John asked me to join him on one of his most iconic songs,” Britney says. “We are so excited for the fans to hear it! Thank you, Elton, for having me! I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work with you and your legendary mind.”
Produced by Andrew Watt, “Hold Me Closer” is a refreshing and modern twist on one of Elton John’s most iconic hits, “Tiny Dancer,” with elements of other classic songs from his legendary catalog, including “The One,” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.”
“Tiny Dancer” was one of the standout tracks from his 1971 studio album, Madman Across the Water. US audiences adored the album, which has since reached triple-platinum status. The song placed in the US Top 50 charts at the time of its release and featured in Rolling Stone‘s “500 Greatest Songs of All Time” piece late last year. “Tiny Dancer” remains a fan favorite, with a featured spot in the setlist for Elton’s record-breaking global Farewell Yellow Brick Road Tour.