'Britney Was Broken': Elton John & Britney Spears Release Highly Anticipated Collab

Following reports earlier this week that the track had leaked, Elton John and Britney Spears’ highly anticipated collaboration has officially dropped.

The reimagining of Hold Me Closer follows a similar path to that of PNAU’s remix of Cold Heart feat. Dua Lipa and has been described as “a joyous dance future-anthem dripping with summer abandon”.

“I am absolutely thrilled to have had the chance to work with Britney Spears; she truly is an icon, one of the all-time great pop stars and she sounds amazing on this record,” John said.” I love her dearly and am delighted with what we've created together.”

Spears added: “I was so honoured when the incredible Sir Elton John asked me to join him on one of his most iconic songs. We are so excited for the fans to hear it! Thank you, Elton, for having me! I am so grateful that I got the opportunity to work with you and your legendary mind.”

The new collab is Spears’ first recorded output in six years and marks her return to music following the end of a controversial 14-year conservatorship in 2021. Her last official single was 2016's Slumber Party.

Speaking with The Guardian around its release, John said: “Britney was broken. I was broken when I got sober. I was in a terrible place. I’ve been through that broken feeling and it’s horrible. And luckily enough, I’ve been sober for 32 years and it’s the happiest I’ve ever been. 

“Now I’ve got the experience to be able to advise people and help them because I don’t want to see any artists in a dark place. A lot of artists, you’d think they’d have a lot of self-esteem but they don’t, and that’s why we go onstage and we get the applause, and then we come offstage and we’re back to square one.”