Brandi Carlile has cemented her status as a multifaceted force in music, marking 2025 with a poignant tribute at the CMA Awards, the release of a deeply personal new album, and impactful collaborations. Her recent activities highlight her versatility as an artist, blending powerful performances with introspective songwriting and social commentary.
A Moving Tribute at the 2025 CMA Awards
The 59th Annual CMA Awards, held on November 19, 2025, in Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena, saw Brandi Carlile deliver one of the evening’s most touching moments. Alongside country icon Patty Loveless, Carlile performed a spellbinding rendition of Vince Gill’s 1989 ballad, “When I Call Your Name.” This performance was a heartfelt tribute to Gill, 68, who was honored with the prestigious Willie Nelson Lifetime Achievement Award. Cameras captured Gill visibly moved, on the brink of tears, by the performance (digitaltrendstoday.com).
Following the powerful duet, country legend George Strait took the stage to introduce Gill, praising his unparalleled talent in guitar playing, songwriting, and singing. Gill, in his acceptance speech, humorously noted that he was “the only one that’s won…that’s never smoked any weed” among the award’s recipients, and paid homage to Willie Nelson’s family-oriented approach to music. Carlile’s choice for the tribute was fitting, given her and Gill’s shared ability to thrive beyond strict genre confines, a connection further highlighted by their past collaboration on Amy Ray’s 2018 solo album, Holler (digitaltrendstoday.com).
CMA Awards Highlights:
- Host: Lainey Wilson hosted the show for the second consecutive year.
- Top Nominees: Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, and Ella Langley led with six nominations each.
- Performers: The star-studded lineup included Kelsea Ballerini, Kenny Chesney, Luke Combs, Miranda Lambert, Shaboozey, and more (digitaltrendstoday.com).
“Returning to Myself”: A Journey of Introspection
Carlile’s latest solo album, Returning to Myself, released on October 24, 2025, marks her first solo effort since 2021. The album is a deeply personal exploration of self-discovery and the passage of time, born from a period of reflection after years of relentless touring and collaborations (digitaltrendstoday.com).
The title track, inspired by a poem Carlile wrote while feeling overwhelmed, encapsulates her desire to reconnect with her inner self amidst a whirlwind career. She describes the album as wrestling with the delicacy of human connection, with songs like “You Without Me” reflecting on the bittersweet experience of a parent watching their child grow independent (digitaltrendstoday.com).
“Church & State”: A Political Statement
One of the album’s standout tracks, “Church & State,” made a powerful statement during Carlile’s November 1, 2025, performance on Saturday Night Live. The rock-infused anthem features a spoken recitation of Thomas Jefferson’s 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists, emphasizing the separation of church and state (digitaltrendstoday.com). Written on Election Night 2024 with co-producer Andrew Watt and her band, the song is a protest against the increasing influence of conservative religious ideology in U.S. politics. Carlile, who identifies as a person of faith, expressed her anger at the possibility of overturning same-sex marriage rights, a concern she discussed with her daughters (digitaltrendstoday.com).
Carlile also acknowledged the track’s U2 influence, particularly drawing inspiration from “Bullet the Blue Sky” and The Joshua Tree, an album she cherished in her youth (digitaltrendstoday.com).
Collaborations and Enduring Friendships
Beyond her solo work, Carlile has continued to engage in high-profile collaborations:
- Sara Bareilles Duet: She teamed up with Sara Bareilles for “Salt Then Sour Then Sweet,” the theme song for the Apple documentary “Come See Me in the Good Light.” Both artists served as executive producers for the film, which debuted on November 14, 2025 (digitaltrendstoday.com).
- Joni Mitchell’s Return: Carlile played a pivotal role in Joni Mitchell’s musical rehabilitation, helping the 83-year-old legend return to the stage after a brain hemorrhage. Carlile pays a cheeky yet affectionate tribute to Mitchell in a song titled “Joni” on her new album, describing Mitchell as a “wild woman” who is “unpredictable, untameable, unknowable sometimes” (digitaltrendstoday.com).
- Elton John Album: Earlier in January 2025, Carlile released a collaborative album with Elton John, Who Believes In Angels, which topped the UK charts.
From her humble beginnings in a mobile home outside Seattle to her current standing as a celebrated artist, Brandi Carlile’s journey is marked by authenticity and a profound connection to her music. Her recent endeavors underscore her continued evolution and her commitment to using her platform for both artistic expression and meaningful advocacy.
