On a memorable March evening in New York City, a unique musical phenomenon was unfolding across two boroughs, highlighting the unifying power of a single song: “Cold Heart” by Elton John and Dua Lipa. This wasn’t just any song; it was a cultural reset, a vibrant blend of nostalgia and contemporary pop that resonated deeply with audiences experiencing a world in transition.
At Madison Square Garden, Dua Lipa commanded a sold-out crowd, delivering the high-energy performance of her “Future Nostalgia” tour. This album, a dance-pop gem released at the onset of the 2020 pandemic, ironically became the soundtrack for lockdown dance therapy. Tracks like “Levitating,” “Physical,” and “Don’t Start Now” promised a return to normalcy, to crowded dance floors and shared human experiences, during a time of unprecedented isolation. Two years later, Dua’s performance was a cathartic release, a celebration of reconnection.
Dua Lipa performing on stage
Image: Dua Lipa and Elton John grace the cover of Variety Hitmakers, symbolizing their hit collaboration on “Cold Heart”.
The emotional pinnacle of Dua Lipa’s show was “Cold Heart,” a song both refreshingly new and comfortingly familiar. This innovative duet with Elton John seamlessly intertwined four of his classic hits, most notably the iconic “Rocket Man” from 1972 and the poignant “Sacrifice” from 1989. “Cold Heart” became a global sensation, topping charts worldwide and cementing Elton John and Dua Lipa as Variety‘s 2022 Hitmakers of the Year. During the MSG performance, Dua and her dancers gathered at the stage front, singing along to a video of Elton performing his part, a virtual duet bridging generations and styles.
Simultaneously, just a few miles away at Brooklyn’s Barclays Center, Elton John himself was performing “Cold Heart.” His audience, equally energized by the post-pandemic atmosphere, was experiencing the same sense of collective joy and renewal. This was one of the many stops on his monumental “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour, initially planned for three years starting in 2018, but extended to nearly six, concluding in Europe the following summer. This particular Barclays Center show had been rescheduled from April 2020, further underscoring the long-awaited return to live music and shared experiences.
Despite performing in the same city on the same night, Elton and Dua, these two musical friends, were connected by more than just geography. Their virtual duet across the East River was symbolic of their unique collaboration. Their first in-person meeting happened at the 2021 Elton John AIDS Foundation Academy Awards viewing party, forging a quick bond. Interestingly, their vocals for “Cold Heart” were recorded separately, and they had never performed the song together or even seen each other’s tours.
“Our touring schedules were like ships in the night,” Dua explained, highlighting the logistical challenges of their global careers. “But there’s also something magical about the same song being played in the same city on the same night with completely different crowds and bringing such good energy. We had both been performing it across the world separately, waiting for the moment we could do so together.”
That long-awaited moment arrived on November 20th at Dodger Stadium in Los Angeles, during the final North American shows of Elton’s farewell tour. These concerts were not just tour finales; they were a homecoming, marking the place where Elton’s American superstardom ignited with his legendary 1970 Troubadour club show and peaked with his 1975 Dodger Stadium concerts.
As the unmistakable beat of “Cold Heart” filled Dodger Stadium, the crowd erupted. Elton, in a dazzling Dodgers-themed robe reminiscent of his iconic 1975 attire, welcomed Dua to the stage. She appeared in a chic black gown, her presence radiating star power. Their embrace marked the first live performance of “Cold Heart,” with Elton urging the audience to join in, creating a massive singalong moment.
“When we recorded ‘Cold Heart,’ we had no idea of the life it would have,” Dua reflected the next day. “What a privilege for that first performance to be at his final show in North America. I could have never imagined a night like this — it reminded me to never stop dreaming.”
Elton echoed the sentiment, calling the performance “a magical moment.” He praised Dua, saying, “I adore her. She is incredibly talented — absolutely brilliant — and so professional. It’s a pleasure to be around someone who is so young, has done so much already and is so humble. She is also great fun, and we get on like a house on fire.”
To my most magical friend @eltonofficial thank you for keeping the dream alive!!! It was an honour, a privilege and a joy to share the stage with you last night on your last show at the Dodgers Stadium. Thank you for everything, forever and always… pic.twitter.com/UWLx3EpEFQ
— DUA LIPA (@DUALIPA) November 22, 2022
The Innovative Reimagining of “Cold Heart”
“Cold Heart” is more than just a chart-topping hit; it’s a testament to Elton John’s enduring influence and his embrace of musical evolution. The track exemplifies a new wave of musical reinvention. While labeled a remix, it’s a sophisticated fusion of Elton’s past glories, masterminded by the Australian trio Pnau. Pnau, known for their similar transformative work on Elton’s 2012 album “Good Morning to the Night,” skillfully wove together elements from “Rocket Man,” “Sacrifice,” “Kiss the Bride” (1983), and “Where’s the Shoorah?” (1976). This intricate musical tapestry offers both a nostalgic trip for longtime fans and a fresh, exciting sound for new listeners, all while carrying the unmistakable stamp of Elton’s approval and Dua Lipa’s contemporary vocal energy.
Elton John and Dua Lipa cover story
Image: Elton John and Dua Lipa featured in Variety’s cover story for Hitmakers of the Year, celebrating their successful collaboration.
“It’s much more than a remix or a mashup,” Elton clarified, emphasizing Pnau’s creative role. “Pnau take elements from old songs and make them into a new song. They came up with the idea, and I’ve sung it so many times myself that I just thought it would be better with a different kind of voice.”
Dua Lipa was the immediate and unanimous choice for this vocal collaboration, championed by Elton and his husband and manager, David Furnish.
“Luckily enough, I’d met her at the AIDS Foundation event,” Elton recalled, linking the collaboration to his broader philanthropic efforts. “In our fight against AIDS, we are desperately in need of younger voices to get people to listen, and she is an incredible live performer, so I knew she would be perfect. So David and I took her to dinner and said, ‘We’ve got this song. …’”
Dua recounted her enthusiastic initial response: “And my first answer was ‘Yes, absolutely,’” she said, laughing. “but they were like, ‘Well, listen to it before you agree to it.’ I was in Malibu writing for my new album, and they sent it to me very early one morning. We were on FaceTime — even though we’re friends, it’s still surreal being on FaceTime with Elton and David — and I remember I was in my bikini by the pool, wearing a cowboy hat for some reason. … ”
“And I said, ‘You’ve got to listen to it by the pool — loud,’” Elton added, completing the anecdote. “and within a day or so, she said, ‘I’m in,’ and that was that.”
A British Musical Meeting of Generations
The collaboration between Elton and Dua transcends a simple generational bridge; it represents a distinctly British musical connection. Both artists hail from London, Elton born in Pinner in 1947, a product of the post-war British baby boom, and Dua born in West Hampstead 48 years later to Kosovar-Albanian parents, placing her on the millennial-Gen Z cusp. Despite Dua’s multi-ethnic background and time spent in Kosovo, her British identity is undeniable, evident in her accent and cultural sensibilities, mirroring Elton’s quintessential Britishness.
This shared London heritage fostered an immediate personal chemistry, evident in the behind-the-scenes moments at Dodger Stadium. Dua, radiating youthful energy in a vibrant pink outfit, greeted Elton with infectious enthusiasm at soundcheck. During the Variety cover shoot, their playful interaction was palpable, amplified by the spontaneous joy when Blur’s “Girls and Boys” played, prompting playful banter and laughter, highlighting their easygoing rapport.
Elton John and Dua Lipa at Dodger Stadium
Image: Elton John and Dua Lipa share a moment at Dodger Stadium, showcasing their cross-generational camaraderie.
Dua is just one of many artists who have benefited from Elton’s renowned generosity and mentorship. His support extends from the Elton John AIDS Foundation, which has raised over $525 million for HIV/AIDS initiatives, to his championing of artists across genres and generations. In the 1970s, Rocket Records, founded by Elton, revived the careers of established artists like Neil Sedaka and launched Kiki Dee, with whom he had the global hit “Don’t Go Breaking My Heart.” His mentorship has manifested in various forms: collaborations, public endorsements, business advice, and support for artists battling addiction. His performance with Eminem at the 2001 Grammys served as a powerful statement against homophobia.
Similarly, “Hold Me Closer,” Elton’s collaboration with Britney Spears, reimagining “Tiny Dancer,” was released shortly after Spears’ victory in her conservatorship battle. Elton explained it as a gesture of support, wanting to bring her voice back to the charts and remind the world of her talent. Both “Cold Heart” and “Hold Me Closer” are featured on the deluxe edition of Elton’s “Lockdown Sessions” album, a testament to his collaborative spirit.
Elton’s collaborative history is extensive, including collaborations with George Michael, Mary J. Blige, Lady Gaga, and Lil Nas X. His generosity often extends beyond music, fostering lasting friendships and offering genuine support. Lady Gaga, for instance, is the godmother to his sons. Since 2016, his “Rocket Hour” radio show on Apple Music has amplified his support for emerging and established artists, showcasing a diverse range of musical talent.
Rina Sawayama and Elton John
Image: Rina Sawayama and Elton John, a testament to Elton’s mentorship of emerging artists through his “Rocket Hour” radio show and personal connections.
Rina Sawayama, a Japanese-British singer, exemplifies Elton’s mentorship. She recalls how Elton featured her singles on “Rocket Hour,” leading to an interview and a genuine friendship. “He’s helped me so much behind the scenes,” she shared, emphasizing his active and immediate support, describing him as a “fairy godmother” in the music industry.
Dua Lipa also experienced Elton’s support early in her career through “Rocket Hour.” “You can’t imagine how amazing is it to have somebody like Elton John champion you,” she said, highlighting the profound impact of his endorsement. Their subsequent collaboration on “Bennie and the Jets” at an AIDS Foundation event solidified their friendship and mutual respect.
Elton’s passion for music is deeply rooted, dating back to his childhood. Reginald Dwight, the young Elton, possessed an exceptional musical ear and an insatiable appetite for music, fueled by radio and his mother’s record collection. His early career involved formal training at the Royal Academy of Music, performances in pubs and clubs, and immersive experiences in London’s music scene, constantly absorbing and cataloging musical knowledge. He embodies a unique blend of artistry, industry expertise, and genuine fan enthusiasm.
“He scours, scours YouTube for new stuff,” Sawayama noted, emphasizing Elton’s relentless pursuit of new music despite his legendary status.
Elton, characteristically modest, downplays his mentorship role in his autobiography, “Me.” However, he explains to Variety that his generosity stems from his early experiences in America, where he was embraced by his musical idols. This profound early support instilled in him a lifelong commitment to supporting and encouraging other artists.
Elton John and Miley Cyrus at the Grammy Awards
Image: Elton John and Miley Cyrus at the Grammy Awards, showcasing Elton’s broad collaborative reach across musical genres and generations.
When asked about his current favorite artists, Elton enthusiastically lists a diverse range, showcasing his eclectic taste and ongoing engagement with contemporary music, mentioning artists like Rina Sawayama, Sam Fender, Gabriels, Wet Leg, and many others.
Looking Ahead: Dua Lipa and Elton John’s Continued Musical Journeys
As 2022 drew to a close, both Dua Lipa and Elton John were looking towards the future, building on their recent successes. Dua, while acknowledging the end of the “Future Nostalgia” era, is deeply immersed in her third album and her multifaceted lifestyle platform, Service95, including a newsletter and podcast. Her podcast, “At Your Service,” has featured a wide range of guests, including Elton John himself.
Her new album, initially described as halfway complete during her podcast interview with Elton, has since evolved, taking a new sonic and lyrical direction. Dua hints at a cohesive theme and a pop sound with a twist, promising an exciting new chapter in her musical journey.
Elton John and Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards
Image: Elton John and Lady Gaga at the Grammy Awards, representing another iconic collaboration in Elton’s illustrious career.
Beyond music, Dua is also actively involved in advocacy, particularly for Kosovo-Albanian causes, and has been recognized as an honorary ambassador for Kosovo. She is a vocal advocate for feminist and LGBTQ+ rights, demonstrated by her principled stance against performing at the FIFA World Cup opening ceremony in Qatar, citing human rights concerns.
Elton, despite a career spanning over 300 million albums sold, thousands of concerts, and countless accolades, shows no signs of slowing down creatively. While the “Farewell Yellow Brick Road” tour marks the end of his touring career, he emphasizes his continued commitment to making records and collaborating with other artists. At 75, Elton John remains a vital and influential force in music, constantly evolving and inspiring, much like the enduring appeal of “Cold Heart,” his hit collaboration with Dua Lipa.
Additional reporting by Shirley Halperin.
