Eminem, Elton Single Coming

Eminem and Elton John's much-talked-about rendition of "Stan," from the 43rd Annual Grammy Awards, will be released as a single. The song has already been sent to radio, but the release date for the hard copy has yet been established. A portion of the proceeds from the song will benefit the MusiCares Foundation, part of the National Academy of Recording Arts and Sciences that services "health, human service and welfare needs" of musicians.

The performance triggered a protest by the Gay and Lesbian Alliance Against defamation, who accused Eminem of homophobia in the lyrics of the songs from his The Marshall Mathers LP. Last year, GLAAD bestowed the Vito Russo Entertainer Award, one of its highest honors, upon John for his work in combating homophobia. When the organization learned that he would be playing piano and singing the chorus to the song (which was originally sampled from Dido's "Thank You"), they issued a statement that read in part: "We are disappointed that Sir Elton John will be performing with Eminem at the Grammy Awards. John has played an enormous role in educating the world about AIDS and gay issues through his music and charitable work. GLAAD is appalled that John would share a stage with Eminem, whose words and actions promote hate and violence against gays and lesbians."

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Song Stories

“Youth Knows No Pain”

Lykke Li | 2011

“Like on 'Youth Knows No Pain' — we are the ones that should demonstrate, because we can take it,” Likke Li said. “We can pierce ourselves, take Ecstasy, dance all night and still go to work at our McDonald's jobs.” Despite the hedonistic sentiment in the song, the Swedish singer also admitted in hindsight her youth had repercussions. “I remember when I was 18-19 and feeling that I know it all,” Li said. “I always feel that I know it all. But that song is about realizing you don’t, and reflecting, ‘Boy, if I only knew what would follow.’”

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