Joni Mitchell performed Elton John’s “I’m Still Standing” at the Library of Congress 2024 Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony, which took place last month at DAR Revolution Hall in Washington, D.C., and aired last night, April 8, on PBS. Her rendition included lyrical twists to fit her own style, with the approval of the night’s honorees, John and Bernie Taupin.
Brandi Carlile, who joined Mitchell’s performance, also introduced the legend, saying that the song has special meaning for 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.”
Annie Lennox also joined Mitchell and Carlile for the performance. Video from the event shows John and Taupin enjoying the delightful rendition.
The ceremony featured several performances by the honored duo’s famous fans, including Metallica, who performed “Funeral for a Friend/Love Lies Bleeding,” Charlie Puth, who performed “Something About the Way You Look Tonight,” and Lennox, who sang “Border Song” in addition to joining Mitchell. Carlile also performed “Madman Across the Water.” Maren Morris, Garth Brooks, Billy Porter, and Jacob Lusk also performed.
There were also special appearances from Carole King, Emilio and Gloria Estafan, Paul McCartney, and Stevie Wonder.
“I’ve been writing songs with Bernie for 56 years, and we never thought that that one day this might be bestowed upon us,” John said in a previous statement about receiving the prize. “It’s an incredible honor for two British guys to be recognized like this. I’m so honored. To be in a house along with the great American songwriters, to even be in the same avenue is humbling, and I am absolutely thrilled to accept.”
The entire show is available to stream via PBS.
