The country singer paired with Elton John on the 1999 duet “Written in the Stars” was LeAnn Rimes. John and Rimes recorded the song for the concept album connected with the musical Aida, with lyrics by Tim Rice and music by John.
The song dramatizes the doomed relationship between Aida and Radames. In the musical's story, Radames is ending his engagement, while Aida urges him to continue because the marriage is tied to her father's escape. Their duet captures the conflict between love, duty, and political danger.
There are two related recordings: one featuring Rimes singing the first verse and another associated with John's performance. The single was released in 1999 and later appeared on Rimes's 2002 album I Need You. It reached No. 29 on the U.S. Billboard Hot 100, No. 10 in the United Kingdom, and No. 1 on Canada's Adult Contemporary chart. A separate 2000 recording from the stage version featured Heather Headley and Adam Pascal, which can cause confusion about the performers.