Britney Spears is back on top of the charts thanks to the support of her boyfriend Elton John.
In a new interview, the legendary Rocket Man shared how he got the Princess of Pop to return to the studio for the first time in six years – and since the end of her conservatory – to record their duet ‘Hold Me Closer’.
“She’s been gone for so long – there’s a lot of fear because she’s been betrayed so many times and she hasn’t really been in the public eye in so long. We held her hand throughout the process and reassured her that everything will be fine,” John told The Guardian.
“I’m so excited to be able to do it with her because if it’s a big hit, and I think it is, it’ll give her so much more confidence than she already has and she’ll realize that people really love her.” to keep. and take care of her and want her to be happy. That’s all anyone in their right mind would want after going through such a traumatic time.”
John explained that after the success of his 2021 single with Dua Lipa, “Cold Heart,” he began brainstorming ideas for another “fun, happy summer record” when his husband, David Furnish, “said it would be great.” for Britney Spears to do it.”
John, 75, agreed it would be a good idea as he’s been a fan of Spears, 40, for years.
“She just released some incredibly brilliant records,” he exulted. “She sang and danced so beautifully.”
John decided to get in touch to test the waters, and he was delighted when Spears jumped at the opportunity to work together.
As Vidak For Congress exclusively reported, the “Toxic” singer recorded her parts of the “Tiny Dancer” remix in July at producer Andrew Watt’s studio in Beverly Hills.
“She was so prepared. She had spent time with the record and knew how she wanted to do it,” Watt, 31, told The Guardian. “She’s incredible at stacking her voice and doubling it, which is one of the hardest things to do. She really pushed herself, vocally. … She knows so well when she made the right choice. She took full control.”
John was equally impressed.
“She sang wonderfully,” he gushed. “Everyone said they think she can’t sing anymore. But I said she was brilliant when she started, so I think she can do it. And she did, and I was so happy with what she did.”
The partnership struck a chord with John, who, like Spears, has spotlighted several struggles.
“Britney was heartbroken. I was broken when I got sober. I was in a terrible place,” said the “I’m Still Standing” singer, who has now been clean for 32 years. “Now I have the experience to advise and help people, because I don’t want to see artists in a dark place.”
John hopes “Hold Me Closer” is just the first taste of a comeback for Spears, who went on strike in 2019 and eventually led to freedom from her estranged father’s control.
“Rehabilitation is such a wonderful thing for everyone,” John said. “I’m just crossing my fingers that this will restore her confidence in herself to go back into the studio, make more records and realize she’s damn good.”