Maren Morris Blows ‘Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters’ Out of the Water During Elton John Tribute

"To get to tribute him was a very otherworldly experience because not only are you singing an Elton song and trying to do a great job with it, but you're doing it while he's sitting ten feet away from you, which is very daunting but he has been nothing but cool to me," Morris admitted.

Written by Lauren Laffer
Maren Morris Blows ‘Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters’ Out of the Water During Elton John Tribute
Music stars honor Elton John's illustrious career spanning five decades with a rockin' tribute on ELTON JOHN: I'M STILL STANDING A GRAMMY SALUTE, to be broadcast Tuesday, April 10 (9:00-11:00 PM, ET/PT) on the CBS Television Network. Pictured: Maren Morris Photo: Michele Crowe/CBS ©2017 CBS Broadcasting, Inc. All Rights Reserved

When Maren Morris decides to cover a song, she goes all out for the moment just like she did on her take of “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” during the Elton John: I’m Still Standing—A GRAMMYs Salute television program (4/11).

Sat in a wicker throne at a table for two, Morris proudly executed the bold track as Sir Elton John sat proudly watching the country singer do her thing. With a smile on his face, Morris knew she took hold of the song in her own unique way while playing it cool to fit the character unfolding throughout the performance.

From ever commanding note, it seemed like Morris was in total control of her repertoire from top to bottom and smoothly captivated the audience in awe over her talent. Although it may have been a nerve-racking moment in the singer’s career, she felt nothing more than honored to do something on that scale to pay tribute to one of her favorite artists who led the way for many careers and created a music legacy in his own right.

Nearly two summers ago, I was at home in Nashville off tour, doing laundry, and I missed 2 phone calls from a London number. I thought that it was strange, but I went about my day. The third time it rang, same London number, I thought “what the hell,” and I picked up. It was Sir @eltonjohn . I was floored to hear that iconic British voice on the other end of the line telling me he bought HERO on vinyl and loved it enough to call me personally. He didn’t tweet me, have his people email my people… he called me on the phone himself, which was such a badass, fading-from-the-world kind of sweet gesture. The call wasn’t long; he said he played my record for his band and that he hoped we’d meet someday soon. ••• A year ago, I was asked to pick my favorite Elton song to record for a compilation album they were putting together with a bunch of country artists, and I chose “Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters.” It had always been one of those roadtrip songs from my childhood that made me want to get out of my comfort zone and experience the world. The way Bernie and Elton wrote this song about their first time visiting New York City is so similar to how I felt when I moved to Nashville. Exhilarated, terrified, determined, lonely… until I met my tribe and they made me strong.😊 Then, after the Grammys this year, I met Elton and he was wearing a red Gucci jacket and red-tinted frames and we drank tea and he told me about his love for country music and how in another life he was Southern. I met Bernie Taupin and I couldn’t imagine a more humble, genius poet. I mean, holy shit, there are writers on Music Row that have had one hit and think they’re entitled to everything. Not Bernie. He was such a genuine soul. •••Every country artist’s interpretation on this record is stellar, so go listen to Restoration today to kick your weekend off. Hope you love “Mona Lisas & Mad Hatters.” 🖼✨🎩☕️

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“So, to get to tribute him was a very otherworldly experience because not only are you singing an Elton song and trying to do a great job with it, but you’re doing it while he’s sitting ten feet away from you, which is very daunting but he has been nothing but cool to me and he’s such a champion of new artists,” Morris said previously to Sounds Like Nashville and other media at a past event.

Morris’ rendition of “Mona Lisas and Mad Hatters” can be found on Restoration: The Songs of Elton John and Bernie Taupin, which is available now.