Elton John and Brandi Carlile Shine on SNL
Elton John returned to the iconic Saturday Night Live stage on April 5, where he was accompanied by fellow musician Brandi Carlile. With Jack Black as the host, this episode highlighted the pair’s collaborative efforts from their newly released album, Who Believes in Angels.
Dynamic Performances
The night commenced with an engaging rendition of “The Bible of Little Richard,” a track from their collaborative album. Later in the program, John and Carlile captivated the audience with a performance of the album’s title track, further showcasing their chemistry and musical synergy.
Significance of the Appearance
This appearance marked a notable return for John, who had not been featured on SNL for over a decade; his last visit was in April 2011, where he served as both host and musical guest. His relationship with the show dates back to his first performance in 1982, solidifying his status as a musical legend.
Carlile, on the other hand, made her third appearance on SNL. She previously performed on the show in October 2021 and December 2022, establishing a connection with the series that complements her growing prominence in the music industry.
John’s Recent Health Challenges
Elton John’s return to performance comes during a challenging time; he recently faced health issues, including an infection that led to temporary vision loss in his right eye. In a social media post, he disclosed that this health scare persisted throughout the summer while he was in southern France, emphasizing the resilience in his performance despite these setbacks.
A Long-Standing Collaboration
John and Carlile’s collaborative journey began in 2009 when Carlile reached out to him to play piano on her song “Caroline” from her album Give the Ghost. This connection blossomed into a longstanding friendship and professional camaraderie. Discussing their recent work, John expressed his need for Carlile’s creativity and talent, stating, “I needed her talent, her energy, her humor and her amazing lyrics.”
Available Now: Who Believes in Angels
Their creative partnership has culminated in the release of Who Believes in Angels, which is now available for purchase and streaming. Viewers can look forward to the next episode of Saturday Night Live, airing on April 12 with John Ham as host and Rizzo as the musical guest.