Elton John: The Nation’s Favourite Song revealed in new ITV show
The Nation’s Favourite Elton John Song is revealed in a new ITV show tonight.
Airing at 9PM tonight on ITV, the nation chooses its favourite Elton John song in a new 90-minute special that goes in-depth with the pop superstar, paying tribute to the singer-songwriter’s 50 years in the music business, and marking the year of his 70th birthday.
The show features contributions from some of Sir Elton’s closest friends and best-known fans – including Ed Sheeran, Sting, Annie Lennox, Sir Rod Stewart, Lionel Richie, Chris Martin, Billy Joel, Kiki Dee, Rag’n’Bone Man, James Corden, Lulu, Stephen Fry, Boy George, Dionne Warwick, Sharon Osbourne and Rob Lowe.
In a candid new interview with David Walliams, Sir Elton reveals how his classic songs came about, many stemming from his incredible five-decade partnership with lyricist Bernie Taupin, with an exclusive ITV poll counting down to the track voted the nation’s favourite Elton John song.
He also talks about his duets – in particular Don’t Let The Sun Go Down on Me with George Michael – paying tribute to the singer, who died last year.
He says: “As soon as I start singing the song [live], a picture of George goes up, and that will be the case for as many times as we play that song. I loved him so much as an artist and a friend, and as a human being, he made that song something else.”
The singer-songwriter’s full repertoire of pop and rock classics is explored – including hits like Goodbye Yellow Brick Road, Saturday Night’s Alright (For Fighting), Rocket Man, Candle In The Wind, Your Song, Don’t Let The Sun Go Down On Me, Crocodile Rock, Don’t Go Breaking My Heart, I’m Still Standing, Philadelphia Freedom and Are You Ready For Love.
Both Ed Sheeran and Rag ‘n’ Bone Man talk about how his influence has helped their music careers. Ed Sheeran says: “Elton definitely was part of my influence in becoming a musician, especially in songwriting. You know like his championing of me or [Lady] Gaga, he’s been part of so many people’s journeys.”
Sir Rod Stewart also reflects on the music legend’s ability to stay current across the decades. He says: “You’re sort of fair game if you’re in the public eye. But I think both of us now are revered by the press and loved by the British public because we’re both a couple of queens… I mean knights.”
Elton John: The Nation’s Favourite Song airs tonight at 9PM on ITV.
