Elton John, the legendary singer known for his iconic hits and flamboyant performances, has recently teamed up with Americana artist Brandi Carlile to create a new album titled Who Believes in Angels?. Released on April 4, 2025, the album marks a significant collaboration that brought John face-to-face with his own mortality, a theme that resonates deeply throughout the tracks.
At 78 years old, John expressed a profound sense of relief and joy in working with Carlile, stating, "If I had just made another Elton John record, I would’ve killed myself." This candid admission highlights his reluctance to produce another solo album and underscores the importance of collaboration at this stage in his life. John credits Carlile with providing the energy and humor he needed, saying, "I needed her talent, her energy, her humor and her brilliant lyrics."
The partnership with Carlile has not only rejuvenated John's creative spirit but also allowed him to explore deeper themes through music. During an interview on the SmartLess podcast, John revealed that one of the songs from the album, "When This Old World Is Done with Me," forced him to confront his mortality in a very personal way. He recounted, "When you get to my age, which is near 100, you think, ‘How much time have I got left?’" This introspection led to an emotional breakdown while recording the song, which was captured on film. "I just broke down for 45 minutes, and it’s all on film," he shared.
Brandi Carlile, who was present during this emotional moment, recalled how John's voice began to shake as he reached the poignant chorus. "I thought, ‘Oh he’s going to really go,’" she said. In a light-hearted moment, Carlile joked, "Don’t worry. You’ve got at least another six months," providing a touch of levity amid the serious reflections on life and death.
On April 5, 2025, John and Carlile made a special appearance as musical guests on Saturday Night Live, hosted by Jack Black. This marked their third appearance on the show, a platform where they performed two tracks from their new album: the title track Who Believes in Angels? and the upbeat "Little Richard’s Bible." John, who has a storied history with the show, previously appeared as a musical guest in 1982 and again in 2011. Carlile also has her own history with the program, having performed in 2021 and 2022.
In a press release, John described the creation of Who Believes in Angels? as one of the toughest yet most rewarding experiences of his career. He stated, "This record was one of the toughest I’ve ever made, but it was also one of the greatest musical experiences of my life. It has given me a place where I know I can move forward." John likened this album to a new beginning, saying, "As far as I’m concerned, this is the start of my career mark two."
Carlile echoed John's sentiments about the collaborative process, noting the inspiring environment they created together. "I think all ships rise with Elton John’s standards for songwriting, and it was an incredibly challenging and inspiring environment to work in," she said. The duo's synergy is evident in their music, with both artists contributing their unique perspectives and talents to the project.
As John reflects on his career, he has no plans to tour following the conclusion of his Farewell Yellow Brick Road tour in the summer of 2023. However, Carlile is set to perform at her Mothership Weekend festival in Florida next month before heading to Europe, showcasing her own thriving career.
In addition to their musical collaboration, John and Carlile are set to host a one-hour concert special titled An Evening with Elton John and Brandi Carlile, which will air on CBS on April 6, 2025, at 8 p.m. EST. The special promises to feature live performances, captivating stories about their friendship, and an intimate look at their new joint album.
The album Who Believes in Angels? draws inspiration from the 2024 music documentary Elton John: Never Too Late, which highlights John's incredible career and impact on the music industry. Carlile wrote the song "Never Too Late" for the documentary, and it is included in the new album as a testament to their collaborative spirit.
Fans of both artists can catch their performances on Saturday Night Live and look forward to the concert special, which promises an engaging and heartfelt experience. With a blend of humor, emotion, and musical genius, John and Carlile's collaboration is a celebration of life, creativity, and the enduring power of friendship.
