Elton John Releases Khalid Cover for Spotify Singles

He’s not young, dumb or broke, but that didn’t stop Elton John from delivering quite the rendition of Khalid’s “Young, Dumb & Broke” for his Spotify Singles session, released today (Dec. 12).

Apparently one of Khalid’s biggest (or at least highest-profile) fans, John spoke highly of the young singer-songwriter in an accompanying statement.

“I discovered Khalid’s music a few years ago, and have been a fan ever since,” said John. “It’s a thrill to be a small part of any new artist’s journey, and it’s been wonderful to see his star continue to rise and rise. ‘Young Dumb & Broke’ is a fabulous song, one of my favorites and I’m really pleased that he liked my cover enough to contribute vocals.”

Khalid himself provided backing vocals to the piano-backed version, which is probably one of the coolest credentials thus far for the 20-year-old R&B crooner.

As usually is the case with Spotify Singles sessions, the cover was accompanied by a John original—”Bennie and the Jets.” Principally backed by a piano, with an accenting rhythm section, the track was rousing as ever, even now 45 years after its release.

The legendary singer is gearing up for the release of his biopic—or rather, fantasy musical—next May, which stars Taron Egerton as a ‘70s-era John.

Listen to John’s Spotify Singles here and revisit a performance of “Bennie and the Jets” from 1980 below.