Britney Spears and Elton John's 'Hold Me Closer' Is Now One Year Old

On August 26, 2022, Britney Spears released her first song after her conservatorship ended in November 2021: a collaboration with Sir Elton John called "Hold Me Closer."

The song was a smash success. Fans adored the dance-pop vibes and even "Stars Are Blind" singer Paris Hilton made her own mini music video for the song, which officially celebrated its first birthday on Saturday, August 26, 2023!

In an August 2022 interview with The Guardian, the “Rocket Man” singer couldn’t contain how “excited” he was to work with the Princess of Pop. “I'm so excited to be able to do it with [Britney] because if it is a big hit, and I think it may be, it will give her so much more confidence than she's got already and she will realize that people actually love her and care for her and want her to be happy,” he said at the time.

“She's been away so long – there's a lot of fear there because she's been betrayed so many times and she hasn't really been in the public eye officially for so long. We've been holding her hand through the whole process, reassuring her that everything's going to be alright,” he added.

In a deleted Twitter post, previously reported by The Blast, the “Toxic” singer confessed that she felt “overwhelmed” by the release of her first single in six years. “Okie dokie … my first song in 6 years 🎶 !!!! It’s pretty d— cool that I’m singing with one of the most classic men of our time … @eltonofficial 🚀!!!!” Britney wrote at the time. “I’m kinda overwhelmed… it’s a big deal to me !!! I’m meditating more 🧘🏼‍♀️ and learning my space is valuable and precious !!!”

“I’m learning every day is a clean slate to try and be a better person and do what makes me happy … yes I choose happiness today,” she continued. “I tell myself every day to let go of the hurt bitterness and try to forgive myself and others to what may have been hurtful.”

“I want to be fearless like when I was younger and not be so scared and fearful,” she added. “I pray there actually is truth to the Holy Spirit and I hope that spirit is with my children as well !!! Yes … I choose happiness and joy today ☀️ !!!”

Following the success of the song, the “Criminal” singer shared a video topless in the tub to celebrate the success of her song. She starts the video by speaking in a fake British accent, saying, “Hello Sir Elton John. We are like #1 in 40 countries.” She then pauses and shouts, “HOLY S—.”

“I’m in the tub right now and I’m about to go have the best day ever and I hope you’re well,” she adds as the clips cut out mid-sentence. That video was also deleted shortly after posting.

Fortunately, she didn’t have to worry about the song performing well. It was nominated but did not win, the People’s Choice Award for The Collaboration Song of 2022. However, it did win the Remix of the Year at the 2023 Electronic Music Awards.

In addition to being featured in the first episode of the second season of the HBO Max series “And Just Like That…” in 2023, the song topped the charts in four countries, including in Australia and Hungary. It also reached the top ten in nineteen countries, including the United States and the United Kingdom, as per Billboard, who also noted that the song was named Billboard readers’ favorite song of 2022.

“An enormous thank you to @billboard, its readers and all the fans of ‘Hold Me Closer’ who voted it their favourite song of 2022!!” Elton John wrote in an Instagram post in January 2023. “And thank you @britneyspears for your talent and collaboration in making this happen and the incredible @thisiswatt [producer Watt] who shares this success! What an incredible way to kick off the year.”

A music video was created for the song and released ten months ago. Unfortunately, it does not contain Elton John or Britney Spears. Fans can watch the video below and check out Ukrainian director Tanu Muiño explaining her decision to film it in Mexico City without Britney or Elton John by clicking here!