Joni Mitchell performed a cover of Elton John‘s I’m Still Standing as the iconic musician was honored with a Gershwin Prize in Washington D.C.
The singer-songwriter, 80, was part of festivities at DAR Constitution Hall March 20, which aired Monday on PBS, delivering her own version of John’s 1983 hit.
John, 77, and his longtime collaborator, lyricist Bernie Taupin, 73, were presented with the 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song presentation at the event.
The Fort Macleod, Canada native was joined in her performance by Annie Lennox, 69, and Brandi Carlile, 42.
The Big Yellow Taxi performer, with John and Taupin’s blessing, switched up some of the lyrics in her version of the hit, which was initially released on John’s 1983 album Too Low for Zero.
Watch the performance for yourself to appreciate the memorable moment!
In introducing the Grammy-winning artist, who was inducted into the Rock and Roll Hall of Fame in 1997, Carlile said that the tune had a special meaning to Mitchell.
‘So much so that she was given the green light by Elton and Bernie to change some of the lyrics to fit her, which is honestly the most Joni Mitchell thing I think I’ve ever heard of,’ Carlile said.
John and Taupin were seen in the audience looking upbeat hearing Mitchell’s interpretation of the 1980s anthem.
Mitchell was honored last year with the 2023 Library of Congress Gershwin Prize for Popular Song.
Mitchell’s ‘poetic lyrics and jazz-influenced arrangements helped define a generation of musicians,’ the Library of Congress said, citing her hits such as Both Sides Now, Help Me and Big Yellow Taxi ‘as well a rich songbook of elegantly crafted work.’
Other artists who covered songs by John and Taupin as part of the March 20 event included Metallica, who played Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding; and Charlie Puth, who sang Something About the Way You Look Tonight.
In addition to their collaboration with Mitchell, Lennox performed Border Song; and Carlile sang Madman Across the Water.
The Rocket Man himself also performed, belting out the tunes Saturday Night’s Alright for Fighting and Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters.
