Joni Mitchell performed Elton John's “I'm Still Standing” at the 2024 Library of Congress Gershwin Award for Popular Song ceremony, which was held last month at DAR Revolution Hall in Washington, DC and aired last night, April 8, on PBS. Her arrangement included lyrical twists to suit her own style, with the approval of the evening's honorees, John and Bernie Taupin.
Brandi Carlile, who attended Mitchell's performance, also introduced the legend, saying the song has special meaning for Mitchell. “So much so that she was given the go-ahead by Elton and Bernie to change some of the lyrics to suit her, which is honestly the most Joni Mitchell thing I think I've ever heard.”
Annie Lennox also joined Mitchell and Carlile for the performance. Video from the event shows John and Taupin enjoying the delightful performance.
The ceremony featured several performances from 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. Carlyle 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 one day this could be bestowed upon us,” John said in an earlier statement on accepting the award. “It's an incredible honor for two Britons to be recognized like this. I am so honored. To be in a house with the great American songwriters, to even be on the same avenue is humbling and I'm absolutely thrilled to accept it.”
The entire show is available to stream through PBS.
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