Elton John and Bernie Taupin Launch Competition to Create Music Videos for ‘Tiny Dancer’ and More of Their Huge Hits
Three of the most iconic pop songs in music history are finally getting the video treatment.
Elton John and his longtime lyricist Bernie Taupin are celebrating 50 years of songwriting magic by launching a competition for fans worldwide to create music videos for his hit ’70s tracks “Rocket Man,” “Tiny Dancer” and “Bennie and the Jets.”
Elton John: The Cut, in partnership with YouTube, will allow everyday creatives to enter 90-second video treatments for the tracks starting next month—but there are some rules. “Rocket Man” entries must use animation, “Tiny Dancer” treatments must be live-action and “Bennie and the Jets” clips must employ choreography.
The entries will first be reviewed by three prominent YouTube creators, who will then shortlist their favorites to be viewed by the final judges. The creators include filmmaker and editor Kurt Hugo Schneider, Oscar-nominated filmmaker PES and director and choreographer Parris Goebel.
Final selections will be judged by a panel that includes music and industry judges, as well as John and Taupin themselves.
The winners will be provided funding to create the videos, and use of the YouTube Space facilities. Pulse Films – the production studio that helped bring Beyoncé’s Lemonade to life – will provide further support before the clips are launched next summer. The victors will also be awarded $10,000 by YouTube for use on further video ventures.
“We’re excited to partner with YouTube to bring together generations of artists and music lovers around a shared passion for storytelling,” John, 69, said in a press release for the project. “YouTube is a rich tapestry of creativity, and I can’t wait to see how the breadth of talent from the dance, live-action and animation communities apply their vision to these cherished songs.”
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Elton John: The Cut competition runs from Jan. 9 to Jan. 23. Entrants must be over 16. For full rules and to apply, visit their website here.
