Sir Elton Hercules John (born Reginald Kenneth Dwight; 25 March 1947) is an English singer, songwriter, pianist, and composer. Collaborating with lyricist Bernie Taupin since 1967 on more than 30 albums, John has sold more than 300 million records, making him one of the best-selling music artists. He has more than fifty Top 40 hits in the UK Singles Chart and US Billboard Hot 100, including seven number ones in the UK and nine in the US, as well as seven consecutive number-one albums in the US. His tribute single "Candle in the Wind 1997", rewritten in dedication to Diana, Princess of Wales, sold over 33 million copies worldwide and is the best-selling single in the history of the UK and US singles charts. He has also produced records and occasionally acted in films. John owned Watford F.C. from 1976 to 1987 and from 1997 to 2002. He is an honorary life president of the club.
Britney Spears and Elton John have finally released their duet, Hold Me Closer. Based on the first three lines of Tiny Dancer, John’s classic 1971 hit, the track has already skyrocketed to number one on the US and UK iTunes charts.
Hold Me Closer also references his 1992 track The One and his iconic collaboration with KiKi Dee, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.
In a tweet, Spears celebrated the release of her first song in six years, saying it’s “pretty damn cool” that she’s duetted with “one of the most classic men of our time”. “I’m kinda overwhelmed… It’s a big deal to me!!!” she wrote. “I’m meditating more and learning that my space is valuable and precious.” Hold Me Closer also marks Spears’ first foray into music since her widely-publicised conservatorship was terminated in November 2021.
Responding to her own tweet, the pop icon said she’s “learning everyday is a clean slate to try and be a better person and do what makes me happy,” and that she’s finally ‘choosing’ happiness. “I tell myself every day to let go of the hurt bitterness and try to forgive myself and others to what may have been hurtful,” she said. “I want to be fearless like when I was younger and not be so scared and fearful. “I pray there actually is truth to the Holy Spirit and I hope that spirit is with my children as well!!!