Joni Mitchell performed a cover of Elton John‘s classic hit I’m Still Standing during the Gershwin Prize Tribute concert.
Elton and his songwriting partner Bernie Taupin were the recipients of the Library of Congress 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song and during the celebration concert that aired on Monday (April 8) night on PBS, Mitchell delivered a rendition of the 1983 song.
Appearing alongside a backing band starring Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, Blake Mills and Davey Johnstone, the singer-songwriter was introduced by Carlile, who told the crowd that the track meant a lot to Mitchell, who survived a brain aneurysm 10 years ago.
She also received the blessing of the duo to rework the lyrics in her cover, with her rendition switching up the song’s upbeat sound for a slower, jazzier mood.
Metallica opened the show – filmed at DAR Revolution Hall in Washington D.C. last month – with a performance of Funeral For A Friend/Love Lies Bleeding from the 1973 double album ‘Goodbye Yellow Brick Road’, with other performances on the night including Lennox’s rendition of Border Song from Elton’s 1970 self-titled album and Carlile’s take on Madman Across The Water.
The evening was brought to a close by Elton himself, who delivered his classic track Your Song (1970).
Congratulations to @eltonofficial for receiving the 2024 Gershwin Prize for most Popular Song, alongside Bernie Taupin!You won’t want to miss the tribute concert, premiering on @PBS stations nationwide tonight at 8 p.m. ET! pic.twitter.com/zxqwTNsAWu
— Joni Mitchell (@jonimitchell) April 8, 2024