Quick Read
- Brandi Carlile’s “You Without Me” was a top song pick for 2025, noted by KAXE Music Team.
- Elton John gifted Carlile a paper shredder for Christmas, highlighting their unique friendship.
- Carlile is nominated for two Grammy Awards for her collaboration with Elton John.
- She will perform at the 2026 Super Bowl pre-game ceremony, singing “America The Beautiful.”
- Brandi is set to tour America and the UK, including shows in Manchester and London.
Every December, the music world takes stock. For Brandi Carlile, 2025 was more than just another year—it was a sequence of moments that revealed her artistry, her friendships, and her ability to command the world’s biggest stages.
Carlile’s impact on this year’s music scene was felt from playlists to prime-time events. Her song “You Without Me” from the album Returning To Myself landed among the top picks for Kari Hedlund, Music Director at KAXE (KAXE). This wasn’t just a nod from a regional station—it signaled Carlile’s reach, where her heartfelt songwriting continued to resonate with fans and critics alike. While the year brought a slew of notable releases, Carlile’s track was a standout, nestled among the likes of Taylor Rae and Deep Sea Diver on Hedlund’s list.
But 2025 wasn’t only about music. It was also about the quirks and connections that make the industry human. When it comes to gift-giving among celebrities, the stakes—and the strangeness—can be high. Elton John, a longtime friend and collaborator, delivered one of the year’s most memorable Christmas gifts: a paper shredder (The Sun). For most, this might seem a touch mundane, but for Elton, shredding papers is a soothing ritual. Carlile shared, “It’s his favourite thing to do.” Their exchange is a reminder that even legends appreciate the simple pleasures, and that true friendship isn’t measured by extravagance, but by knowing what will make someone smile.
Their creative partnership was more than personal—it spilled into professional accolades. Carlile is nominated for two Grammy Awards at the upcoming 2026 ceremony for her work with Elton John. The nominations reflect not only her vocal prowess but also her ability to find musical chemistry with icons, cementing her as a force in contemporary music. For Carlile, the Grammys are familiar territory, but each nomination is a fresh validation—especially when it’s for a collaboration that merges two distinct, celebrated voices.
If the Grammys are the music industry’s crown, the Super Bowl is its global stage. Carlile is set to perform “America The Beautiful” at the pre-game ceremony, while Charlie Puth will sing the national anthem. It’s a high-pressure gig, watched by millions, and one that tests even the most seasoned artists. Carlile admits the challenge: “It’s going to be vocally challenging. I wait up until a couple of days before and then the adrenaline kicks in. If I start rehearsing weeks in advance, I will dilute the power of it.” Her approach—trusting the rush, channeling the moment—speaks to her experience and her confidence. She’s not interested in over-preparing; she wants to capture the raw emotion that only live performance can deliver.
The year also promises a robust touring schedule. Carlile will play shows across America and the UK, with dates in Manchester and London. For fans on both sides of the Atlantic, it’s a chance to witness her live, to hear the songs that have defined her recent journey—and to see how she brings new energy to the stage after a year of high-profile collaborations and honors.
Behind the headlines, Carlile’s year is defined by a balance of intimacy and spectacle. She’s grounded enough to appreciate a paper shredder from a friend, yet ambitious enough to command the Super Bowl stage. Her music continues to win critical acclaim, and her partnerships—whether with Elton John or the wider music community—show an artist who thrives in connection, not isolation.
For those who follow Carlile’s career, 2025 felt like a year where everything converged: the right song at the right time, the right collaborators, and the right opportunities. She remains a singular voice in music—one that can move between personal moments and public triumphs without losing her sense of self.
Carlile’s journey this year highlights a rare blend of authenticity and ambition. Her Grammy nominations with Elton John, her headline Super Bowl appearance, and her continued relevance on influential playlists prove that she’s not just enduring—she’s evolving. In a music industry often driven by spectacle, Carlile stands out for her sincerity, her willingness to embrace both the ordinary and the extraordinary, and her ability to make each moment count.