Joni Mitchell Performs Elton John’s ‘I’m Still Standing’ at The Gershwin Prize Ceremony

During a recent airing of the Gershwin Prize ceremony in Washington, music icon Joni Mitchell graced the stage to perform Elton John’s iconic 1983 hit ‘I’m Still Standing’ as a tribute to the legendary artist. Mitchell, who received the Gershwin Prize for popular song the previous year, was introduced by Brandi Carlile, who highlighted the personal significance of the song for Mitchell, now 80 years old.

Carlile revealed to the audience that Mitchell had received approval from Elton John and Bernie Taupin, the song’s co-writer, to modify some of the lyrics to suit her unique style. This move was described by Carlile as quintessentially Joni Mitchell-esque, drawing laughter and applause from the crowd.

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Accompanied by a talented backing band featuring Carlile, Annie Lennox, Blake Mills, and Davey Johnstone, Mitchell stood throughout the performance, delivering a rendition that captivated the audience and earned smiles and cheers from John and Taupin.

The Gershwin Prize ceremony, held at Washington’s DAR Constitution Hall, was a star-studded event featuring performances by Maren Morris, Metallica, Lennox, Carlile, and the honoured duo, John and Taupin. John also took the stage to perform some of his iconic hits, adding to the evening’s musical celebration.

This recognition comes at a notable time in John’s career, as he achieved EGOT status earlier in the year. Meanwhile, Mitchell’s return to the spotlight has been marked by milestones such as her remarkable Grammy Awards performance and her 10th Grammy win for best folk album. Her journey back to performing after a health setback has been inspiring, showcasing her resilience and enduring talent.

Mitchell’s impact on the music industry is profound, with Carlile describing her as one of the most influential and emotionally generous creators in history.

-Sushmita Sarkar