To young Brandi Carlile, a girl coming of age and struggling with her own sexuality, Elton John was a flicker of hope in a confusing world. Today, the two music superstars are friends and collaborators,

Fans knew an official musical alliance between kindred spirits Elton John and Brandi Carlile was inevitable. Their relationship built on mutual admiration has manifested at concerts (John invited Carlile to sing at his final concert at Dodger Stadium in 2022) and soirees (Carlile was one of the most sincere performers at last year’s Gershwin Prize concert honoring John and lyricist Bernie Taupin).