Elton John's beloved holiday classic "Step Into Christmas" has received a delightful new breath of life with the release of its revamped music video, featuring none other than actress Cara Delevingne stepping gracefully (and humorously) onto the scene.
Originally released back in November 1973, "Step Into Christmas" was written by John and his longtime collaborator Bernie Taupin. While it peaked at No. 56 on the Billboard Hot 100, it scored major success on the Christmas Singles chart, clinching the top spot. The holiday hit became even more prominent with its gold certification by the Recording Industry Association of America (RIAA) two years ago, underscoring its enduring popularity.
Fifty years later, John has brightened the festive season once again by revisiting this cherished tune. The new music video presents Delevingne channeling John, complete with iconic fashion choices, as she takes on the role of the flamboyant Rocketman. "I saw Cara at Glastonbury last summer, and we talked about how much we’d love to work together if the right idea came up," John shared. "When someone suggested the idea of her playing me in a riff on the 1973 'Step Into Christmas' video, I just thought it was the perfect opportunity. Thank God Cara thought the same because it came out great."
Delevingne was equally ecstatic about stepping onto the spotlight as one of her idols. "To say his music has had a deeply, truly important effect on me is an understatement," she expressed. "To be asked by him to PLAY him in this recreation was a dream I didn’t know I had until it happened. Honestly, I wish I could pretend to be Elton every day." She cheekily added, "I hope he may one day return the favor and agree to play me in my not-yet-developed, written, pitched, or funded biopic. Fingers crossed!"
The whimsical reinterpretation takes place within the confines of the original recording studio, humorously depicting behind-the-scenes antics during the original video shoot. Delevingne recreates several memorable moments, even going so far as to don feather boas and strategically positioned outfits reminiscent of John's distinctive style. The new footage blends seamlessly with clips from the original video, highlighting some unexpected chaos—like producers wrestling with props and bemused fans crashing the scene.
John's charming collaboration with Delevingne isn't just another typical video release; it's also part of the continued celebration of his legacy. He previously enlisted Justin Timberlake to portray him for the music video of his 2001 single, "This Train Don't Stop There Anymore," indicating the singer's tendency to blend nostalgia with contemporary interpretations of his work.
Yet, amid the joyous atmosphere surrounding the release, John also recently disclosed his struggles with significant vision loss from an eye infection, putting his recording plans on pause. "It's been four months now since I haven't been able to see," he told "Good Morning America." He reminisced about how his condition has impeded his ability to engage with recording sessions. "Going to the studio and recording, I don't know, because I can't see the lyrics for a start." His openness about these challenges adds depth to the festive merriment, reminding fans of the artist’s resilience even when facing adversity.
With the combination of humor, nostalgia, and visionary storytelling, the new version of "Step Into Christmas" mixes the frivolity of the holidays with sincere tributes to John's legacy and friendship with Delevingne. It allows both new and long-time fans to experience the joy of the holiday classic through fresh lenses. The release of this nostalgic yet modern take on John's music reminds us of the timelessness of not just the song, but also the spirit of collaboration and creativity between generations.
So as the holidays approach, listeners can tuck the latest rendition of "Step Into Christmas" alongside their seasonal favorites, perfectly placed within the celebrations of love, laughter, and the everlasting influence of iconic music.
