A group of students in Shropshire, England who covered “I’m Still Standing” recently got a stamp of approval from Elton John – and they can thank Canadian singer Ron Sexsmith.
Ben Millington’s music students at Telford Priory recorded their version of John’s 1983 classic via Zoom in March and shared it on YouTube. Far from going viral – it racked up only about 20,000 views in its first two months online – the video caught the eye of Sexsmith, who alerted John.
Millington said he received an email from John’s Canadian husband David Furnish requesting more information about the students’ performance. Shortly after writing back, Millington got a video message from the legendary singer.
“I was completely blown away,” John told the students. “In fact, I watched it three times in a row because I couldn’t believe how good you sang and played it … You really cheered me up.
“You did something brilliant and you made a brilliant version of ‘I’m Still Standing.’ I want to thank you so much for it.”
John, who wore a cap emblazoned with the Canadian flag version of his trademark “E,” added: “I hope you all have a great career and music plays a big part in it because you’ve certainly got talent.”
Watch John’s message to the students – and their original performance – below: