According tofan-filmed footageon social media, John and Mitchell shared the stage toperforma rendition of the English singer’s “I’m Still Standing,” with support from actressMeryl Streep. The surprise was part of Mitchell’s massive three-hour-long set, laden with jokes and deep cuts from her decades-long catalog.
Joni Mitchell performing in Washington DC on March 20, 2024.Taylor Hill/WireImage
Taylor Hill/WireImage
After the show, John shared a video of himself hugging Mitchell to his Instagram Stories and wrote, “Thank you for having me @jonimitchell & @brandicarlile.”
Other special guests for the weekend included Blake Mills, Jacob Collier, Robin Pecknold, Lucius, Allison Russell, Jon Batiste, and more.
In 2022, John and Mitchell celebrated her return to the stage with an intimate interview for his show on Apple Music 1,Rocket Hour.In their chat, Mitchell revealed she did not rehearse for herNewport Folk Festival appearance. John remarked that not only did she sing publicly for the first time in nearly a decade, but she also played guitar.
“I had to figure out what I did, snd I couldn’t sing the key,” Mitchell replied. “I’ve become an alto, I’m not a soprano anymore, so I couldn’t sing the song. And I thought people might feel lighted if I just played the guitar part — but I like the guitar part to that song. So anyway, it was very well received, much to my delight.”
Last week, John, 77,joinedDua Lipaonstage for her historic Royal Albert Hall show to perform their collaboration, “Cold Heart.” It was the “Rocket Man” singer’s first time hitting the stage in over a year since his 2023 farewell tour, which marked the end of his touring career.
Elton John performing in New York on Oct. 1, 2024.Jamie McCarthy/Getty
Jamie McCarthy/Getty
Mitchell’s return to the stage comes almost a decade after surviving abrain aneurysm, leading her to relearn how to talk, walk and sing. In 2022, the “Big Yellow Taxi” singer made a surprise appearance at Newport Folk Festival alongside Carlile. She followed that up with a sold-out headlining show at the Gorge Amphitheater in Quincy, Washington, in 2023.
source: people.com