Elton John’s ‘Sacrifice’ Video Surpasses One Billion YouTube Views
The 1989 ballad becomes the pop legend’s first music video to reach this milestone.
Elton John‘s official music video for his 1989 hit “Sacrifice” has surpassed one billion views on YouTube. The achievement marks the music icon’s first video to reach this milestone.
The second single from Elton’s 22nd studio album, Sleeping With The Past, “Sacrifice” was written by Elton and his longtime songwriting partner Bernie Taupin. Produced by Chris Thomas, the ballad explores the complexities of romantic relationships and remaining faithful.
“Sacrifice” initially had modest chart success upon release, but the song received renewed attention when it was reissued as a double A-side single with “Healing Hands” in 1990. The release spent five consecutive weeks at No. 1 on the UK Singles Chart, giving Elton his first solo chart-topper in his home country. Across the pond, it peaked at No. 18 on the Billboard Hot 100.
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The music video was directed by Alek Keshishian, who later helmed Madonna’s controversial 1991 documentary Truth Or Dare. It stars model Yasmeen Ghauri and singer-songwriter Chris Isaak, portraying a couple whose relationship is intensely unraveling.
“Sacrifice” also found a new audience decades later through “Cold Heart (PNAU Remix),” Elton’s collaboration with Dua Lipa. The 2021 hit incorporated elements of several Elton classics, including “Sacrifice,” “Rocket Man,” “Kiss The Bride,” and “Where’s The Shoorah?”
Elton has continued to revisit his musical legacy throughout 2026. Most recently, he announced a 50th Anniversary Edition of his 1975 album Rock Of The Westies, which arrives November 20 via UMe. The expanded collection features previously unreleased piano and vocal recordings from the original sessions, including a newly available version of “Street Kids.”
Earlier this year, Elton also released Elton John – The Remixes for Record Store Day and expanded his Elton John Impact Awards initiative, honoring LGBTQ+ trailblazers and allies including Chappell Roan, Melissa Etheridge, and Billie Jean King.
