One To Watch: Tom A Smith on meeting Elton John, North-East supremacy with Sam Fender and his new EP

Britney Spears is thrilled!

It’s Britney, bitch! Britney Spears is finally back with new music!

Britney Spears is back on our airwaves thanks to «Hold Me Closer,» a highly anticipated duet with Elton John and spin-off of his 1971 hit, «Tiny Dancer.» While it's racking up hundreds of thousands of hits on YouTube, John revealed in a new interview that Spears was apparently hesitant about dropping their finished product. «We had to get her to approve what she did,” he told . “She’s been away so long – there’s a lot of fear there because she’s been betrayed so many times and she hasn’t really been in the public eye officially for so long. We’ve been holding her hand through the whole process, reassuring her that everything’s gonna be alright.»Not that there was any reason to believe it wouldn't.

It's official: Britney Spears' highly-anticipated comeback single "Hold Me Closer" has already reached the top spot on charts around the world, just hours after its release on Friday. The pop princess teamed up with music icon Elton John to remix his 1971 beloved song "Tiny Dancer." Shortly after its official release on midnight Friday, the tune shot up the iTunes charts in the United States, along with 34 other countries, including England.  "Hold Me Closer" combines elements of John's "Tiny Dancer" and "The One," featuring a dance beat that is accompanied by vocals from John and Spears.

eclectic duet “Hold Me Closer” on Friday — six years after the Princess of Pop last dropped music.The British musician, 75, shed some light on working with Spears, 40, as well as the grand finale of her conservatorship that she was forced to endure for 13 years.“It’s hard when you’re young. Britney was broken.

Vanessa Bryant being awarded $16 million to Shakira’s ex Gerard Pique locking lips with his new girlfriend- but it’s been just as exciting on TikTok. With the weekend around the corner, we have a round-up of the 10 best celebrity TikToks of the week.Madonna, who just celebrated her birthday, may officially be the winner of the “Teenage Dirtbag” trend.

Elton John has revealed that Britney Spears had "a lot of fear" about returning to the music industry with their Hold Me Closer duet. Hold Me Closer, the singer's first song in six years, is a dance track which features a mash-up of Elton's 1971 hit Tiny Dancer and 1992 song The One accompanied by Britney's new vocals, which were recorded in July. The duet, which was released on Friday, also marks Britney's first new music since she was freed from her 13-year conservatorship in November, after which she declared she had no intention of resuming her pop career.

A crowning moment for the princess of pop. Britney Spears teamed up with Elton John for a duet inspired by “Tiny Dancer,” her first release since the end of her conservatorship.

Britney Spears and Elton John have released their much anticipated single together – ‘Hold Me Closer’ – a rework of John’s 1971 song ‘Tiny Dancer’.In a statement, Spears says: “I was so honoured when the incredible Sir Elton John asked me to join him on one his most iconic songs. 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”.Speaking to The Guardian about the recording, John says: “She sang fantastically.

Sir Elton John and Britney Spears have released their new track Hold Me Closer today — marking the first music release Britney has had in six years. Hold Me Closer remixes Elton’s 1971 classic Tiny Dancer with his 1976 hit The One, transforming the track into a modernised dance anthem perfectly saluting the summer.The song shows off impressive vocals from Britney, 40, singing alongside Elton, 75. Britney secretly returned to a recording studio in LA in July shortly after her wedding with Sam Asghari, where she laid down her vocals for the song, after being convinced by fan Elton to join him on the track, created by himself and music producer Andrew Watt.

Britney Spears did it again — put out hit music, that is. For the first time since her conservatorship was terminated, the singer has released a new single: «Hold Me Closer,» a collaboration with fellow music icon Elton John. Their duet is an update of John's beloved 1972 hit, «Tiny Dancer.»A week ago, the stars' cover art for the remix debuted, featuring photos of the two as kids.

Elton John has recalled how he helped Britney Spears overcome her “fear” of returning with new music following a six-year hiatus.The pair have teamed up for the new single ‘Hold Me Closer’, a reimagining of John’s 1971 classic track ‘Tiny Dancer’. Arriving today (August 26), it marks the first material from Spears since her 2016 album ‘Glory’ (an outtake from that record, ‘Swimming In The Stars’, came out in late 2020).Writing on Twitter yesterday (August 25), the pop star – whose controversial 13-year conservatorship was terminated last November – said she felt “kinda overwhelmed” as she prepared to make her musical comeback.

still standing after years of struggles — on “Hold Me Closer,” her first newly recorded single since 2016.The cross-generational collaboration between 40-year-old Spears and the 75-year-old Rocket Man — which dropped from the dream-duet heavens on Friday morning — is a radical reworking of John’s 1971 classic “Tiny Dancer.” Indeed, it’s such an extreme makeover that they gave the song it’s own new name taken from the original’s chorus. All together now, “Hold me closer, tiny dancer!”While “Tiny Dancer” was an epic ballad that took your inner ballerina pirouetting across the keys in a fanciful flight, “Hold Me Closer” goes twirling directly under the disco ball with some thumping beats but also a light airiness that captures some of the graceful beauty of the original. Like John’s recent hit with Dua Lipa — “Cold Heart (Pnau remix),” which mashed up “Rocket Man” with a few of his other songs — “Hold Me Closer,” produced by Andrew Watt and Cirkut, also features elements of Elton’s “The One” and “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.”And while their digitally altered voices sometimes blend into one another where you can hardly tell the difference, it’s great to hear the moments when Spears’ distinctive, much-missed chirp stands out.And after the its initial futuristic electro-whirl, “Hold Me Closer” brings you back down to earth with John’s piano work at the end.The beginnings of this collaboration go all the way back to 2015, when Spears professed her love for “Tiny Dancer” in a tweet.

Britney Spears‘ highly-anticipated return to the music world has finally arrived!

Thania Garcia Brintey Spears and Elton John have released “Hold Me Closer,” a reimagined duet of the piano man’s immortal tune, “Tiny Dancer.” The song is Spears’ first release since the termination of her conservatorship in November of 2021 and her first new music release in six years.While the chorus is, of course, unmistakable, the song has been completely overhauled into a breezy dance-pop song, with Spears and John duetting gently on the verses and chorus and John adding trademark piano flourishes throughout. It’s an ideal follow-up to his similar reinvention on “Cold Cold Heart” with Dua Lipa, released last summer and featured on his “Lockdown Sessions” duets album, which essentially mashed up his songs “Sacrifice” and “Rocket Man.”  

Jonathan Cohen The prospect of a new version of Elton John’s “Tiny Dancer” with vocals from Britney Spears has sent the music world into a tizzy for weeks, particularly since Spears has not released fresh music in six years amid the knockdown, drag-out battle over her conservatorship. Luckily, “Hold Me Closer,” produced by Andrew Watt and Cirkut and finally due out at midnight ET, is an unabashed dance-floor celebration of good vibes much in the vein of John’s surprise smash 2021 collaboration with Dua Lipa, “Cold Heart,” which was built on elements of his past hits such as “Rocket Man.” John first worked with former Grammy producer of the year Watt while making a guest appearance on the 2020 Watt-produced Ozzy Osbourne album “Ordinary Man,” which led to Watt producing John’s “Cold Heart”-featuring “The Lockdown Sessions” album last year. “The song is still in the 20s on the global top 50, and it has been over a year,” Watt (pictured above) tells Variety of “Cold Heart.” “It really resonated with people, because the world is so serious right now. It was a way to scream an Elton John song while you’re out at a nightclub and also feel Dua’s energy. Elton wanted to do a follow-up to that song. Why wouldn’t he? We thought we’d try something with ‘Tiny Dancer,’ so they sent me the original stems.”

Elton John says he was so “excited” to work with Britney Spears on their new duet.

Sir Rod Stewart has taken another cheeky dig at his long-time pal Sir Elton John by doing an impersonation of him on stage. The 77-year-old ‘Maggie May’ singer stuck on a spangly pink jacket and wacky sparkling sunglasses more suited to Elton’s wardrobe, stuck out his front teeth and mimed playing the piano. He shared the moment as a meme to his 1.

Elton John and the Scissor Sisters’ Jake Shears have come together to collaborate on the creation of a brand new musical based on the life of the legendary televangelist and LGBTQI icon, Tammy Faye Messner. The new musical, entitled Tammy Faye is slated to begin its run at the Almeida Theatre in London’s West End in October 2022.The cast of Tammy Faye, which includes Beautiful’s Katie Brayben, The Book of Mormon’s Andrew Rannells, and Zubin Varla, began rehearsals for the show this week. Tammy Faye will feature music by Elton John, with lyrics by Jake Shears. John has also famously written music for The Lion King and Billy Elliott. Elton John was nominated for a Tony Award in 1998 for Best Original Score for his work collaborating on the score for The Lion King and was nominated again in 2009 for Best Original Score for his work on Billy Elliott.The musical is based on the life of the iconic Tammy Faye Messner, who along with her former husband Jim Bakker fronted the PTL Club television ministry during the 1970s and 1980s.

Sir Rod Stewart took to social media to tell Elton John that he still loves him after mocking him at a recent concert.

Britney Spears is taking a break from Instagram. The 40-year-old singer has deleted her account just hours after sharing a sneak peek of her highly-anticipated new song with Elton John. Spears posted a brief snippet of the duo's «Hold Me Closer» collaboration on Wednesday, accompanied by a lengthy caption thanking John for the opportunity to work together.

Britney Spears has said that she’s feeling “overwhelmed” as she prepares to end her six-year hiatus to release a new collaboration with Elton John.The team-up – titled ‘Hold Me Closer’ – includes an interpolation of the chorus from John’s 1971 classic ‘Tiny Dancer’, and is due to arrive tomorrow (August 26). It’ll mark Spears’ first material since her most recent album, 2016’s ‘Glory’ (an outtake from that record, ‘Swimming In The Stars’, came out in late 2020).Taking to Twitter today (August 25), the singer wrote: “Okie dokie … my first song in 6 years!!!! It’s pretty damn cool that I’m singing with one of the most classic men of our time … [Elton John].“I’m kinda overwhelmed… it’s a big deal to me !!! I’m meditating more and learning my space is valuable and precious !!!”Spears continued: “I’m learning everyday is a clean slate to try and be a better person and do what makes me happy … yes I choose happiness today.

Britney Spears is back on the music scene. The icon, 40, took to Twitter Wednesday to share that she is releasing her first new song in six years with "one of the most classic men of our time," Elton John, 75.

Britney Spears is logging off of Instagram…and headed to Twitter!

Legendary performer Elton John gave fans a preview of his new track with pop star Britney Spears on Tuesday. The song "Hold Me Closer" is a new rendition of John's classic 1971 tune "Tiny Dancer." It will be Spears’ first new release since her 2016 studio album "Glory." John gave French diners a taste of the single as he took to Instagram to share an intimate and brief performance at the La Guérite in Cannes.  In the video, the "Bennie and the Jets" singer is seen giving a handshake to the DJ at the restaurant and taking a seat to prepare for his performance, as he received hip surgery last year.

Britney Spears is speaking out about “Hold Me Closer.”

Here’s a rendition of Elton John’s “Rocket Man” you won’t have heard before.

Elton John has surprised diners at Cannes restaurant La Guérite by playing a segment of his forthcoming collaborative single with Britney Spears, ‘Hold Me Closer’.John’s Instagram page livestreamed the singer heading to a DJ booth at the restaurant, greeting the DJs and then getting them to play the single. John announced the song over a wireless microphone, and proceeded to sing his parts over it.Watch the full livestream below:A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn)As the song’s title suggests, ‘Hold Me Closer’ includes an interpolation of the chorus from John’s 1971 hit ‘Tiny Dancer’.

Elton John is sharing a first listen of his song with Britney Spears!

Thania Garcia Like the rest of the world, it seems Elton John also can’t wait for the official release date of his and Britney Spears’ “Hold Me Closer” duet. The singer played the song (almost) in its entirety for restaurant patrons in Cannes and live-streamed it, just a few days before its scheduled arrival on Friday.  In the re-uploaded Instagram Live stream, John is seen sitting behind the restaurant’s DJ booth and singing along to the forthcoming dance track. From the sound of it, the track incorporates John’s original lyrics from the 1971 hit “Tiny Dancer” as well as lyrics from his song “The One.” A post shared by Elton John (@eltonjohn) The track starts with Spears singing the first few lines of “The One” and eventually has her transitioning into the iconic chorus line of “Tiny Dancer.” As for instrumentals, the song’s updated beat has more of a dance-pop approach, similar to John’s most recent collaborations (for example, his and Dua Lipa’s 2021 electronic dance hit “Cold Heart”). 

Elton John and Britney Spears’ awaited collaboration is right around the corner. “Hold Me Closer“ was teased by both performers, with Britney releasing some artwork and Elton sharing a part of the song on his TikTok.Nicki Minaj defends Britney Spears from ex-husband Kevin Federline: ‘How dare you?’Britney Spears might have a sit-down interview with Oprah WinfreyA post shared by Britney Spears (@britneyspears)A couple of days ago, Britney released a photoshopped photo with no caption.

Courtney Barnett‘s own touring festival, Here and There, she and Fred Armisen teamed up with Sleater-Kinney to cover Olivia Newtown-John‘s 1981 hit ‘Physical’.The tribute closed out Sleater-Kinney’s sets at McMenamins Edgefield in Troutdale, Oregon on Saturday (August 20) and Marymoor Park in Redmond, Washington on Sunday (August 21). During their rendition, the band, Barnett and Armisen donned headbands and carried out a synchronised aerobics routine.Watch fan-shot footage from both shows below:Newton-John died on August 8, aged 73, following a lengthy battle with breast cancer.

Elton John and Britney Spears have shared a snippet of their upcoming collaboration, ‘Hold Me Closer’. Get a taste of the new track below.The collaboration was confirmed earlier this month and followed multiple claims that the pair were “secretly recording” a new version of John’s 1972 single ‘Tiny Dancer’.

Elton John and Britney Spears have shared the cover art for their upcoming collaboration, ‘Hold Me Closer’. Check it out below.Last week, reps for both artists sent out a release stating the pair had worked on a joint track together.