On April 6, 2025, CBS aired a highly anticipated concert special titled "An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile," celebrating the enduring friendship between the two iconic musicians and the release of their collaborative album, "Who Believes in Angels?" The concert, filmed at London's renowned Palladium Theatre on March 26, showcased a blend of live performances, heartfelt conversations, and emotional tributes that resonated with fans.
Elton John and Brandi Carlile, who have shared a friendship for over 20 years, brought their unique musical styles together in this special. The concert featured a selection of songs from their new album, which was released just two days prior on April 4, 2025, through Interscope Records. Fans were treated to live renditions of both their collaborative tracks and individual hits, including classics from John's extensive catalog and Carlile's notable songs.
The concert special began at 8 PM ET/PT, running for 90 minutes, extending beyond its initially planned hour. This extension allowed for a more comprehensive showcase of their performances and conversations, which included a sit-down discussion with Dan Levy, star of the hit show "Schitt's Creek." During this intimate segment, John and Carlile shared insights into their long-standing friendship and the creative process behind their latest album.
Throughout the evening, the duo performed several songs, including the album's title track, "Who Believes in Angels?" and other crowd favorites like "I'm Still Standing" and "The Joke," the latter performed by Carlile. The special also featured the live debut of three new songs: "Swing for the Fences," "Little Richard's Bible," and "You Without Me," showcasing their willingness to experiment and push musical boundaries.
In addition to the performances, the concert included heartfelt tributes from friends and fellow musicians, adding a personal touch to the broadcast. Viewers were treated to video messages from artists like Ed Sheeran and Sam Smith, who expressed their admiration for both John and Carlile, further highlighting the impact of their music on the industry.
The production of the concert was handled by Fulwell Entertainment, with Ben Winston, Gabe Turner, and Sally Wood serving as executive producers. Their expertise ensured a high-quality presentation that captured the essence of the artists' performances and the emotional weight of their friendship.
For those who missed the live broadcast, the special was made available for streaming on Paramount+, allowing fans to catch up on the performances and conversations at their convenience. Subscribers to Paramount+ with Showtime were able to stream the concert live, while those with the Essential plan could watch it on-demand the following day.
As the concert progressed, viewers were treated to a mix of emotions, from the joy of live music to the nostalgia of shared memories. Carlile reflected on her journey into music, crediting John as a significant influence and mentor. She recounted a pivotal moment when she wrote him a letter asking for his collaboration, leading to a fruitful partnership that has blossomed over the years.
The setlist for the evening was a testament to both musicians' talents, featuring a total of fifteen songs during the live performance, although only eleven were broadcast. The decision to cut some performances from the final airing disappointed some fans, as many were eager to hear every note from this historic collaboration.
Despite the limitations of the broadcast, the concert special succeeded in capturing the spirit of camaraderie and creativity that defines John and Carlile's relationship. The combination of powerful musical performances and candid conversations created an engaging viewing experience that resonated with audiences.
In summary, "An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile" not only celebrated their new album but also provided a glimpse into the deep bond between these two musical legends. As they continue to inspire each other and their fans, this concert special stands as a testament to the power of friendship and the magic of music.
