21 November 2022, 07:28
Elton John and Shania Twain duet to each other’s songs, in a very special one-off performance.
Image: Mercury Nashville
Throughout his career, Sir Elton always strived to work with new artists.
Recently he has worked with major pop stars such as Dua Lipa and Britney Spears, having sung alongside George Michael and Olivia Newton-John over the years.
“It keeps me young,” he confessed in a recent interview ahead of his final shows at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, the scene of his iconic performance in 1975.
What it does prove though, is that Elton John has a good ear for recognizing a great song when he hears it.
That’s exactly what happened when country pop music star Shania Twain broke into the mainstream with her acclaimed third studio album. Come here in 1997.
The song that caught Elton’s attention, however, was “You’re Still The One”, and Shania would invite him on stage to sing it with her in an additional special performance.
Incredulous, Shania couldn’t help but smile throughout their first duet.
Image: Mercury Nashville
The voices of Elton and Shania complement each other perfectly.
Image: Mercury Nashville
Come here was a hit album that made Shania a megastar, becoming the ninth best-selling album in US music history.
It featured the now classic tracks “From This Moment On”, “That Don’t Impress Me Much”, and “Man!” I feel like a woman!’.
But it was his gorgeous country ballad that they both thought would be the perfect opportunity to sing together.
The gig in question was called “Winter Break” and was filmed at Miami’s Bayfront Park Amphitheater for Shania’s TV performances.
Broadcast on CBS, it was a major moment for Twain who had become a household name. Achieving that status in the United States, let alone the world, is no mean feat.
What better way to cement his presence among the pop greats than bringing a pop legend to perform alongside him.
And when Elton took the stage – in a typically flamboyant sequined scarlet suit – the crowd of 10,000 went wild.
Grinning from ear to ear as Shania welcomed Elton onto the stage, it was almost as if she didn’t believe it herself.
“It’s my dream come true,” she admits very simply, to which Elton replies, “It’s so great to be here, I’m a huge big fan.”
After all the flattery, they kick off with Shania’s beautiful ode to lasting love, “You’re Still The One.”
And their different voices – Shania’s soft, delicate country twang alongside Elton’s deep croon – complement each other perfectly.
She’s brimming with star talent with her signature ballad, and Elton just seems happy to perform alongside her.
But it was their next duet together that really wowed the Miami crowd.
Released in 1974 on his album CaribouElton John’s epic track “Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me” has been a fan favorite for decades.
He became even more popular when he invited George Michael to duet with him on the song.
But Shania certainly gave George a run for his money, delivering every ounce of passion and power she could put into the performance.
Their harmonies were on point, Elton sounding exactly like he did on his rendition George, note for note.
Shania took office on the highest notes and delivered it with the kind of magical ease you’d expect from one of the world’s biggest pop stars.
Everyone in the crowd got chills and goosebumps, in what was a very special moment between two very special talents.
It was made even more special because it was a once-in-a-lifetime event. At least it was televised so we can continue to enjoy this amazing duo nearly a quarter century later.
