VIDEO: Elton John and Brandi Carlile Discuss Mortality, Musical Inspirations, and Collaborating With Miley Cyrus in Joint Stern Show Interview

Recording legends Sir Elton John and Brandi Carlile joined the Stern Show together for the very first time on Monday morning. The duo — who have a combined 16 Grammys to their names and one of the most anticipated records of 2025 — sat down with Howard for an enthralling conversation which touched upon their astonishing lives, incomparable careers, and of course their brand-new album “Who Believes in Angels?,” which hit shelves on Friday. Produced by recent Stern Show guest Andrew Watt, the critically acclaimed effort boasts 10 original tracks which were written and recorded by Brandi, Andrew, Elton, and Elton’s longtime writing partner Bernie Taupin in less than three weeks.

Howard was amazed the artists composed an entire album from scratch in just 20 days, but to Brandi’s mind everything is a little easier when you get to work alongside one of the best pianists to ever live. “It’s like being in the room with Beethoven,” she said of her longtime friend and inspiration, Sir Elton.

Though “Who Believes in Angels?” is the duo’s first collaborative album, the idea has long been on Elton’s mind. “I’ve always wanted to make a record with Brandi ever since I first heard her sing,” the 78-year-old icon proclaimed, adding, “As an artist, she was the best thing in the world for me … I knew she could push me, and I knew I could push her … That was the whole point of the album. I wanted to make something fresh, and be pushed,” he continued. “She is such an incredible musical force.”

The recording process proved to be a profound experience for both artists, but it wasn’t always easy. As fans can witness themselves in the album’s accompanying documentary, “Who Believes in Angels? Stories From the Edge of Creation,” the session’s first few days were particularly intense.

It was Elton who wrote the first song, but when Watt played it back for him the next day the Rocket Man just about combusted.

“The song ends, and Elton looks up and he goes, ‘I hate it,’” Brandi recalled with a laugh.

“Actually, I said, “I fucking hate it,’” Elton added before explaining he was fond of his song on some level, but it just didn’t fit with the album they set out to create. “I think all my bad behavior and irritability came from me being frustrated with myself and not being able to get the first couple of songs right,” he added.

“He was frustrated but he also set the tone for the album,” Brandi countered, explaining how his discerning ear only made the album better in the end. “Honestly, it saved us so much of a heartache because it ended that process … and no one else was gonna be brave enough to do that.”

After finally getting into the grove, they felt like nothing could stop them. “Once we got there it was like a 100-mile-an-hour freight train,” Elton said. “It was incredible once we got going.”

“When This Old World Is Done With Me,” one of Howard’s favorite songs off the album, is a heartfelt ballad about aging, mortality, and Elton’s relationship with his longtime lyricist Taupin.

“When I finished the chorus … I just broke down, and that’s never happened to me ever when I’ve written a song before,” John said. “It was upsetting because I do think about passing away … and it just touched a nerve.”

Howard was particularly impressed to learn Elton composed the song’s intricate piano ending in real time and then recorded it all in one take.

“It was extemporization,” Elton said. “I was making it up as I go along.”

Brandi couldn’t help but marvel at her colleague. “That might be one of my favorite pieces on the entire album,” she told Howard. “I’m not exaggerating when I bring up Beethoven and Bach … No one can do that who is alive now.”

Check out more clips from their wide-ranging conversation with Howard, which touches upon everything from Elton’s iconic collaborations with Miley Cyrus and the Rolling Stones to Brandi and Elton’s fondness for rock and roll pioneer Little Richard (below).