Legends unite as Mitchell delivers a jazzy take on “I’m Still Standing,” joined by Elton John, Meryl Streep, and more at her iconic “Joni Jam” concert.
It was a magical evening at the Hollywood Bowl on Sunday night, where music legends Joni Mitchell and Elton John teamed up for a memorable performance of John’s 1983 hit, “I’m Still Standing.” During her highly anticipated “Joni Jam” concert, Mitchell added her own witty, jazzy twist to the iconic song, while Elton John provided enthusiastic backup vocals, echoing the familiar “Yeah yeah yeah” refrain.
The two stars, both pillars of the music world — Mitchell, 80, and John, 77 — shared a rare moment on stage, with Mitchell joking to the crowd, “This is called ‘I’m Still Standing,’ but I think I have to sing, ‘I’m still sitting after all these years.’” The playful banter and the powerful performance encapsulated the spirit of the evening.
The audience of 17,000 at the Bowl was further treated to an all-star lineup that included appearances from Brandi Carlile, Annie Lennox, and even Meryl Streep, all joining in for a rousing rendition of “I’m Still Standing.” The energy and emotion were palpable, making this one of the night’s standout moments.
Mitchell’s “Joni Jam” concerts, her first headlining shows in Los Angeles in 24 years, were filled with surprises. She performed several live rarities and debuted three songs for the first time in her career, including “Harlem in Havana” and “The Sire of Sorrow (Job’s Sad Song).” Sharing the stage with a rotating cast of musicians like Marcus Mumford, Jacob Collier, and Jon Batiste, Mitchell once again demonstrated her timeless artistry.
Having made a remarkable comeback after suffering a brain aneurysm in 2015, Mitchell’s return to the stage has been nothing short of triumphant. From her surprise 2022 performance at the Newport Folk Festival to her Grammy-winning live album and now these sold-out shows, Mitchell continues to solidify her legacy.
Her reunion with Elton John was particularly touching, as the two artists have shared mutual admiration for decades. Earlier this year, Mitchell honored John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin at the Gershwin Prize for Popular Song ceremony. Sunday night’s performance at the Hollywood Bowl was a fitting continuation of that tribute, marking a joyous moment for fans of both legends.
Mitchell’s “Joni Jam” not only celebrated her extraordinary resilience but also underscored her enduring influence on the music world, alongside her friends and fellow artists.