Britney Spears and Elton John’s duet is here and fans can’t stop crying: ‘A moment in history’
It’s official – Britney Spears is back and better than ever as she drops her much-anticipated duet with Elton John, “Hold Me Closer”.
The new single is a remix of Elton John’s 1971 hit single “Tiny Dancer” and his 1992 song “The One”, with a sprinkling of his “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart”.
It marks Britney’s return to music six years after her last studio album Glory and nine months after her conservatorship ended.
The song is already dominating the charts, hitting number one on iTunes in 18 countries including the UK and USA.
Lil Nas X has captured the mood of Britney fans everywhere by wearing a Britney shirt in a show of excitement for the new song dropping.
Speaking to The Guardian about Britney’s long-awaited return, Elton said: “Everyone was saying they don’t think she can sing any more. But I said, she was brilliant when she started so I think she can. And she did it, and I was so thrilled with what she did.”
He added: “I’m so excited to be able to do it with her because if it is a big hit, and I think it may be, it will give her so much more confidence than she’s got already and she will realise that people actually love her and care for her and want her to be happy.”
Elton is not the only champion in Britney’s life, with her producer Andrew Watt saying: “She’s unbelievable at layering her voice and doubling, which is one of the hardest things to do. She really pushed herself, vocally.
“Sometimes when you produce, the greatest thing in the world you can do is say nothing, so I just let her do her thing.”
And in a poignant moment, Britney’s attorney during her conservatorship battle told PageSix: “No one should be surprised that her first foray is a smash success. As I’ve said all along, Britney is a brilliant artist and iconic person.
“She’s been through a lot. Regardless of what she chooses to do next, if anything, I am so very proud of her.”
This song marks an ode to Britney Spears’ freedom and creative control, and fans are raving both about the awesome beat and vocals and the importance of this moment in the pop artist’s life.
“This is A MOMENT in history witnessing Britney’s artistry after overcoming hardships. It’s nice to see the focus is on her craft instead of her personal life which she has always preferred,” one fan wrote on Twitter.
Hearing hold me closer and my heart is so full. I never knew how much I missed Britney’s music. I’m so happy this beautiful soul is free to share her voice with the world again ❤️ 💜 #HoldMeCloser #BritneySpears— Pop Thirst (@THEEBURNBO0K) August 26, 2022
Hearing @britneyspears voice in 2022 finally as a free woman is incredible. She sounds so clear & strong- and can we talk about those iconic Britney ad-libs & runs?! @eltonofficial has helped create something truly special for the fans and artist alike with #HoldMeCloser pic.twitter.com/xrc7Db8gN3— Johnny Kenneally (@JohnnyKenneally) August 26, 2022
it has been so nice seeing a lot of other fanbases on here supporting Britney, giving love to the new song and defending her against trolls! The large majority of stan twitter has really come together to support the Princess of Pop! #HoldMeCloser pic.twitter.com/E1RtTS9X8W
— suki⚔️💕📖 (@britneygasuki) August 26, 2022
Mostly, fans were just ready to listen to Britney sing her heart out. “Wait #HoldMeCloser is a while f***ing BOP. I truly wasn’t sure if I’d ever hear new Britney Spears vocals. Thank you queen,” one person tweeted.
While another simply put what we are all thinking: “It’s perfect.”
https://twitter.com/eeym1996/status/1563019200003981321?s=20&t=rsrGZtapUH0GN_c_CA0t3g
finally can officially say it… NEW BRITNEY SPEARS MUSIC. #HoldMeCloser pic.twitter.com/MPcajWidj8— Sam Stryker (@sbstryker) August 26, 2022
I just heard #HoldMeCloser for the first time. Britney you sound so beautiful and I am so proud of you, your fans will be with you 💯 and ALWAYS! pic.twitter.com/FPeEc9kzrJ— Britney Stan 🌹 (@BritneyTheStan) August 26, 2022
Britney Spears was freed from her 13-year conservatorship in November last year, meaning the star could once again take control of her finances, career and personal life.
Welcome back Britney, we’ve missed you.