Elton John surprises diners with live performance of Britney Spears duet: ‘What a vibe’

Two photos: Elton John singing into a microphone, and Elton John smiling with Britney Spears in 2013

Elton John has treated the world to a sneak peek of his upcoming collaboration with Britney Spears – and fans say the single can’t come soon enough.

The world will very soon be wowed with Britney Spears’ first new music in six years with “Hold Me Closer”, a re-recorded version of John’s beloved 1971 hit, “Tiny Dancer”.

The single drops on Friday (25 August), but it seems Elton John couldn’t resist launching into an impromptu performance in front of some lucky lunchtime diners at La Guérite in Cannes, France.

On Tuesday (23 August), Elton shared footage on Instagram of the bar’s resident DJ, Christophe Szenberg, handing him a microphone. The singer then says: “Britney Spears, Elton John, here we go.”

Dozens of diners can be seen raising their phones up high to catch a glimpse of Elton performing only a few feet away from them.

He thanked the cheering crowd as he reminded them the song comes out on Friday. Making his way out, stunned fans shouted “I love you!” and “wow” – and honestly who can blame them.

You may like to watch

Elton John is something of a regular at La Guérite, having performed there a year ago, treating diners to his song with Dua Lipa, “Cold Heart“.

“When Elton John comes back to La Guérite… ? What a vibe, what an amazing performance! Thank you, Sir,” the restaurant’s official Instagram said, sharing a HD clip of the gig.

La Guérite floor manager Justina Balki said she couldn’t believe she got to see Elton perform – again. “Thank you for letting us be the first one to hear your new song which will come out on Friday!” she wrote on Instagram.

“You are a legend ♥️”

Elton and Britney fans alike felt the same as they took to Twitter to share their excitement as two musical titans come together.

Some couldn’t help but get emotional at the preview of “Hold Me Closer“, given that it’s the first music Britney, 40, has rekeased since being freed from her nearly 14-year-long conservatorship.

Britney had been on an “indefinite work hiatus” since her Las Vegas residency, Domination, was cancelled in January 2019. Her last studio album was 2016’s “Glory“.

She vowed never to release music again as long as her father, Jamie Spears, had control over her life as a conservator.

Please login or register to comment on this story.