Charlie Puth Admits Elton John Saying His Music ‘Sucked’ Was a ‘Gut Punch’
Charlie Puth is one of this generation’s finest musicians, and while his music might speak to many people, others don’t share similar sentiments. Puth has had a great career trajectory with many awards on his belt, but famed singer Elton John thought differently. Puth recently admitted that John saying his music “sucked” felt like a “gut punch.”
Charlie Puth said Elton John’s reaction to his music was a ‘gut punch’
Elton John is a revered industry legend. The musician’s career spans decades, and he is well known for his contributions to music and movies. With his musical prowess, his opinion comes highly appreciated, which is why his sentiments against Puth’s music hurt the young singer.
Puth recently sat down with host Ellen DeGeneres, and after he appreciated her role in his career, they discussed John’s criticism of Puth’s songs. Puth revealed that he met the singer at a restaurant after John approached him. Puth said that he and John exchanged pleasantries, and after being star-struck at meeting the iconic singer, he went straight for the jugular, saying, “You know your music sucked in 2019. It wasn’t good.”
Puth explained that he was shocked at the criticism calling it a “gut punch.” He, however, said that he shared a similar sentiment with John for a while. Before recounting the story, Puth noted that his songs in 2019 weren’t honest, advising songwriters to write music that’s truthful. Puth revealed that he had been going through a “messy breakup,” which he believes might have played a part in the situation. He termed John’s comments a “wake-up call” and decided not to put out music that “wasn’t the truth.”
Elton John and Charlie Puth became friends in 2020
John announced his retirement from music in 2018 and kicked off a three-year retirement tour. In 2020 he made an album called Lockdown Sessions which features a host of singers, including Miley Cyrus, Lil Nas X, and Stevie Nicks.
John stated that he hadn’t planned on making the album but working with different talents reignited his passion. The “Tiny Dancer” singer got acquainted better with Puth who happened to live near him. Puth reportedly invited John to his home studio, where they wrote and recorded, “After All,” and a friendship was born.
A glimpse into Charlie Puth’s career
Puth started a YouTube channel in 2009 where he posted acoustic overs and comedy skits. In 2011 he took part in an online competition by Perez Hilton titled Can You Sing? where he won after singing a cover of Adele’s “Someone Like You.”
That same year longtime talk show host Emily DeGeneres announced that she had signed Puth and Emily Luther to her record label eleveneleven. In 2012 the duo performed the same song and Lady Antebellum’s “Need You Now” on DeGeneres’ show.
In 2015 the singer signed with APG/ Atlantic, with his previous records being pulled down from iTunes. That year, he released his debut single, Marvin Gaye, featuring Meghan Trainor. The single was well received and peaked at number 21 on the Billboard Hot 100.
He collaborated with rapper Wiz Khalifa on a tribute to Fast and Furious actor Paul Walker. The song, “See You Again,” peaked on the Billboard Hot 100 for 12 non-consecutive weeks and was nominated thrice for Grammy Awards in different categories. It was also featured on Furious 7.
Puth also produced Trey Songz’s 2015 song, “Slow Motion,” and starred in Meghan Trainor’s music video for “Dear Future Husband” playing her love interest. He released his debut album, Nine Track Mind, in 2016, peaking at number 6 on the Billboard 200.
