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Watch Rick Astley perform a heartfelt acoustic version of 'Pink Pony Club'

"Literally no one was expecting this but I think we all needed it."

Rick Astley/Youtube

Here's a cover you'd never expect.

Time and time again, Rick Astley has shown the world that he is more than meme fodder, and that his musicianship goes far beyond that of a one hit wonder. In fact, many have noted how his voice in particular has aged like fine wine, far exceeding that of his signature timbre in the 80s.

Case and point: his recently released cover of Chappell Roan’s “Pink Pony Club.” Yes, the pop-dance-hit-slash-queer-anthem. It’s certainly not the first song anybody would expect Astley to perform (at least not in his post “Never Gonna give you Up” era) but everyone agrees he nailed it nonetheless.

In the video below, Astley transforms the song into a simple, peeled back acoustic version, filled with rich, baritone bluesy-ness that’s so satisfying to the ears.

Watch:

- YouTubewww.youtube.com

Woof, right? Down in the comments, people couldn’t help but share what a pleasant surprise this was.

“Literally no one was expecting this but I think we all needed it.”

“Didn't know I needed the Baritone of Rick's Northern English accent singing Pink Pony Club, but I'm thankful that I've been granted this privilege.”

“The thought of Rick as a pink pony girl has filled my brain with the happiness it needed today. Idk if you could manage heels, Rick. But you would certainly slay in some sparkly pants.”

“Rick Astley singing Pink Pony Club by Miss Chappell Roan was not on my 2025 Bingo card but I am SO HERE FOR THIS AHHHHH.”

It also goes to show just how impactful “Pink Pony Club” really is. You have a song that is arguably very niche, for a very specific community, and yet has such universal appeal beyond that fact that it’s an earworm. In many ways, Chappell Roan wrote a tune that serves to build a bridge between folks, which really makes it a triumph.

And fun fact: Astley isn't the only 80s icon to recently show Roan some love. Elton John and Roan performed "Pink Pony Club" together at John’s Aids Foundation Oscar party this past Sunday, and of course brought the house down.

@hollywoodreporter #eltonjohn joins #chappellroan on the stage to perform #pinkponyclub at his aids foundation #oscars ♬ original sound - The Hollywood Reporter

“For one night, we transformed West Hollywood Park into our own Pink Pony Club," John wrote on social media. “A space filled with love and community, where everyone can be unapologetically themselves!”

The latter part of John’s statement really drives home why he, Astley, and so many others might feel compelled to bust out their own version of this song. Yes, it’s catchy. Yes, it’s got fun lyrics and great visuals. But beyond that, it encourages people to be their most authentic selves, whatever that may be. That’s a message the world could certainly use right now.

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Pop Culture

Watch a young and fabulous Elton John play 'Tiny Dancer' for the very first time

History in action.

@JamesL1927/Twitter

Watching genius at work here.

Even in the modern age of constant social media posting, we rarely get to witness the making of great art before it becomes famous. So when there’s any sort of behind-the-scenes glimpse showing how an iconic cultural staple was created, particularly one from a bygone era, it just feels like magic.

In a now-viral clip posted to Twitter by author and screenwriter James Leighton (@JamesL1927), we get just that, as a young Elton John plays a ditty that would later become one of his greatest hits.

A ’70s-era Elton is seen at the piano, sifting through a short stack of papers with lyrics on them written by his longtime creative partner Bernie Taupin. Elton lands on a page he had worked on putting music to a few days prior, which he “fancied writing” because it was about Bernie’s girlfriend, and he figured he’d probably appreciate it.

He called it “Tiny Dancer.”

The camera cuts to a young Bernie, head full of hair, making the comment that, “Reg [Elton] has to write very fast because he hasn’t got the patience to sort of spend hours or days on something.”

Not objecting to the comment, Elton then talks through his process, explaining how the music should have an upbeat tempo until the word “ballerina,” which “you know it’s not gonna be fast, it's gonna be gentle.” It’s pretty wild seeing musical genius caught on tape.

He then puts the words to music, and history is made.


As Elton plays, we also get to see Maxine Feibelman, Bernie’s then girlfriend and THE Tiny Dancer herself, hear the song for the first time, clearly digging the tribute.

It’s kind of hard to imagine that “Tiny Dancer” wouldn’t find instant popularity. According to American Songwriter, a lot of the song’s signature layers were edited out to make it shorter, and therefore playable on the radio, which didn’t help it top the charts. Luckily the song would eventually be heard in its full glory and quickly became a classic rock staple.

Elton and Bernie would, of course, go on to write together for decades, producing all-time hits “Bennie and the Jets,” “Goodbye Yellow Brick Road” and “I’m Still Standing.”

The ability to let people experience ultra-rare, pivotal moments in culture is undoubtedly one of the greatest things the internet has to offer.

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Elton John moved to tears when President Biden shocks him with National Humanities Medal

'I’m never flabbergasted, but I’m flabbergasted.'

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Elton John surprised with National Humanities Medal.

In life, there are some things that just leave you speechless and Sir Elton John had that moment September 23 at the White House. After a performance on the South Lawn, Sir Elton was left with his mouth agape as President Biden took to the mic to explain that he would be receiving the National Humanities Medal for his work with the nonprofit Elton John AIDS Foundation, which supports HIV prevention, stigma reduction, education and help for people living with HIV and AIDS. The singer looked totally dumbstruck at the announcement as the reality began to sink in.

John has been open with his struggles around drugs and other risky behaviors that put him at risk of contracting AIDS, and at a conference in 2012 he pondered why he hadn't died as many others did. Thankfully, John didn't die in the '90s from the still incurable disease and he went on to be one of its most fierce fighters for understanding and a cure. John has remained sober for well over two decades now and, in 1992, he started his foundation in an effort to end AIDS around the world. In 2021, John's foundation joined forces with Walmart to keep access to testing, treatment and prevention accessible to everyone, including those in greatest need.

The "Tiny Dancer" singer has been in the trenches of HIV/AIDS work for decades and has been recognized for his efforts in the past, including receiving Harvard's Humanitarian Award in 2017. But it's clear from his reaction to President Biden announcing the medal that Sir Elton John was not prepared to receive such an honor. He quickly became overcome with emotions before saying, "I just said to the First Lady, I'm never flabbergasted, but I'm flabbergasted. I'm humbled and honored by this incredible award from the United States of America." He went on to say that it will make him double his efforts to end the disease.

It's such a moving moment and a wonderful surprise. Watch the video below.

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Celebrity

Britney Spears releases her first song in 6 years and it's a beautiful duet with Elton John

It's already shot to #1 in 35 countries.

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Britney Spears and Elton John duet.

What's this? Sir Elton John and Britney Spears have a new song that released August 26. Well, technically it's not new. It's more like a new version of an old song. Elton John's classic, "Tiny Dancer," has been remade as a pop style duet with the queen of pop herself, ending her six-year hiatus from music. The song is just the right vibe to end summer on a positive note. That's not just my opinion either. The new version, called "Hold Me Closer," has already topped the charts at number one in 35 countries.

As you likely remember, Spears had been under a conservatorship for 13 years. While in the conservatorship, she alleged abuse from her father and others around her, and eventually refused to perform or record any music. The pop star's hiatus lasted six long years before coming to an unexpected end, which has Spears' fans thrilled. While there have been hints and teases to her millions of followers, no one was prepared for the immaculate mashup that was just dropped.

The song marries the chorus of John's 1972 hit "Tiny Dancer" to verses from "The One," another song of John's, but this time from 1992. Both Spears and John documented the momentous release on their social media platforms. With Spears tweeting, "Okie dokie … my first song in 6 years 🎶!!!! It’s pretty damn cool that I’m singing with one of the most classic men of our time … @eltonofficial 🚀 !!!! I’m kinda overwhelmed… it’s a big deal to me !!! I’m meditating more 🧘🏼♀️ and learning my space is valuable and precious !!!"

Spears goes on to say in the Twitter thread that she's choosing happiness and learning to forgive herself and others. This comes after a public spat with her ex-husband, who shared videos of her allegedly scolding her children. The duet with John could be Spears testing the waters of a possible comeback and John is certainly happy to help.

John tweeted, "I'm thrilled with the response to #HoldMeCloser 🚀 I wanted to do a fun, happy summer track so was ecstatic when @britneyspears agreed to be a part of it! She truly is an icon, one of the all-time great pop stars & I love her dearly. I hope you all love it!" Later, he retweeted Spear's reaction to finding out the song was #1 on the charts.

This is probably the most excited the public has seen Spears since the end of her conservatorship and quite honestly, I'm here for it. We have seen her star rise rapidly from a child star to a full-blown pop icon before it was nearly completely extinguished. Everyone loves a good comeback story, and we could be in the midst of witnessing Spears reclaim her crown.

Who knows what's next for the mom of two but it's safe to say she has legions of fans behind her and a new hit song dominating the charts. The world will be waiting and rooting for what could be the most fierce comeback yet.

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