The highly anticipated ‘Hold Me Closer’ single by Britney Spears and music legend Elton John was made available to the general public on Thursday night. The song, a revised version of Elton John's 1971 classic ‘Tiny Dancer’, is Spears' first new song in six years following the release of Glory's deluxe edition in 2020.
To celebrate the album's release, Elton, 75, opened up to The Guardian about his experience of working with the vocalist on her debut project after leaving her conservatorship, which was terminated last November. Elton expressed his concern about the alleged abuse Spears received while she was still in the custody of her father Jamie Spears and his co-conservators. Elton stated that he had great expectations for what Spears' future success with the song may entail, giving her the confidence boost she deserves.
The producer of ‘Hold Me Closer’, Andrew Watt, also spoke with the media and commended Spears' studio work ethic. “She's unbelievable at layering her voice and doubling, which is one of the hardest things to do. She really pushed herself, vocally,” he explained. He went further to say, “She's so good at knowing when she got the right take. She took complete control.”
Sam Asghari, Spears' husband, took to Instagram shortly after the song became available for streaming, also showing his support and expressing how proud he is of Spears. After dating for five years, Spears and Sam got married this past June. They coincidentally met when filming her song ‘Slumber Party's’ music video, which would be her last until this recent release. Similarly, Spears took it upon herself to publicize ‘Hold Me Closer’ to her fans prior to the premiere, with additional support of those closest to her. Spears said that she wants to increase her self-assurance and remarked, "I want to be fearless like when I was younger and not be so timid and afraid." Numerous messages of encouragement from fans and followers were sent to Spears, one of which rang true saying, “You are a legend.”
Elton shared a sneak preview of the brand-new song on Tuesday from the posh restaurant La Guérite in Cannes, France. After having his hip surgically repaired in 2021, Elton is seen in the clip sitting on a chair and shaking hands with a DJ at the club. As the song began to play, he said to the patrons present, "OK, Hold Me Closer, Britney Spears, Elton John... here we go!" He thanked the audience and told them that the track would be released on Friday.Britney Spears signed a $15 million book deal to tell the story of her life under the 13-year-long conservatorship that governed her finances, personal life, and health.https://t.co/4wFg7XRmYp
— About Her (@AboutHerOFCL) February 23, 2022
