Though he is set to embark on a three-year farewell tour, it's a good gamble that Elton John's rich catalog of classic songs will still be standing for many years beyond.
As a testament to John's legacy, "Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Tribute" will air on Tuesday, April 10 on CBS at 9 p.m. ET/PT. The two-hour concert special will feature a variety of superstars — including Ed Sheeran, Alessia Cara, Maren Morris, and Kesha — covering a treasure trove of favorites from the "Rocket Man" singer/songwriter's catalog.
Providing a nostalgic complementary bookend of sorts, John's songs recently received a fresh facelift in the form of a pair of tribute albums.
Revamp: The Songs Of Elton John And Bernie Taupin features 13 fresh spins on John's pop classics, including Lady Gaga ("Your Song"), Pink and Logic ("Bennie And The Jets"), Queens Of The Stone Age ("Goodbye Yellow Brick Road"), Q-Tip featuring Demi Lovato ("Don't Go Breaking My Heart"), and Mary J. Blige ("Sorry Seems To Be The Hardest Word").
Meanwhile, Restoration: The Songs Of Elton John And Bernie Taupin culls 13 selections infused with some country twang, including the likes of Miranda Lambert ("My Father's Gun"), Willie Nelson ("Border Song"), Kacey Musgraves ("Roy Rogers"), Chris Stapleton ("I Want Love"), and Miley Cyrus ("The B**** Is Back").
Both collections were released April 6, and as it turns out some of the tribute album artists will perform their selection on the GRAMMY special. This synergy of gratitude and love has John over the moon.
"When anyone sings your song, it's a huge compliment," said John, also speaking on behalf of his longtime songwriting partner, Bernie Taupin. "For all these artists to have come together and voluntarily agreed to do this [special and] record, without much cajoling I have to say, is a huge tribute to us. And it gives me a warm feeling.
"Here I am, 71 years old, and these great, young artists are singing our songs. … I'm always thinking that a good song would crossover to anybody, anywhere."
"Elton John: I'm Still Standing — A GRAMMY Tribute" will feature performances by some of music's biggest names, including Lady Gaga, Lambert, John Legend, Little Big Town, Chris Martin, Morris, Sam Smith, SZA, and more.
Tune in April 10 at 9 p.m. ET/PT for this two-hour concert special, only on CBS.
