Elton John and Brandi Carlile lit up the Saturday Night Live stage this weekend with a rock ‘n’ roll punch that had the Studio 8H crowd pumping with excitement. Backed by a killer band and a wall of neon lights spelling out “Elton” and “Brandi,” the duo performed two explosive tracks from their new collaborative album Who Believes in Angels?, just hours after its release.
The episode, hosted by Jack Black, back on SNL for the first time in 20 years, was packed with energy from the start. Black, always a human firecracker, riffed through sketches about Indiana Jones. He also joked about awkward jam sessions, and even went fully on My Chemical Romance.
Then came the music. John and Carlile stormed the stage with “Little Richard’s Bible,” a rollicking piano-driven anthem that saw John hammering the keys with flair while Carlile headbanged beside him in a tailored suit, clearly having the time of her life. Their band included heavy hitters like Red Hot Chili Peppers drummer Chad Smith. In the line up as well, was super-producer Andrew Watt, who also co-wrote and produced the album.
The second performance, “Who Believes in Angels?”, was a colorful, emotional ride, with Carlile’s voice soaring over John’s deep harmonies and Watt’s arena-sized guitar licks shaking the room.
Who is Brandi Carlile
If you’re asking Who is Brandi Carlile, you’re late to the party. The Maple Valley singer-songwriter has built a career in folk, rock, and Americana. In addition, he has won nine Grammys, earning him high-profile fans like Joni Mitchell and, clearly, Elton John. This new collaboration marks a high point in her journey, and there’s more to come.
In other news, popmedley recently shared a post on the Jonas Brothers Living The Dream tour.
Brandi Carlile Tour
Carlile joins John for a string of shows this summer, and the Brandi Carlile tour promises to deliver the same emotional fireworks seen on SNL. Fans can also catch the duo in their upcoming concert special An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, airing Sunday night on CBS and Paramount.