Brandi Carlile's Powerful SNL Return: Diving Deep into "Church & State" and "Human"

Brandi Carlile brought the house down on Saturday Night Live, treating us to two electrifying performances from her latest album, Returning to Myself. From a fiery protest anthem quoting Thomas Jefferson to a deeply vulnerable ballad, Carlile showed exactly why she's one of music's most compelling voices.

TL;DR: Here's the Scoop on Brandi Carlile's Latest SNL Appearance

• Brandi Carlile performed "Church & State" and "Human" from her new album, Returning to Myself, on Saturday Night Live hosted by Miles Teller on November 1, 2025.
• During "Church & State," she powerfully recited Thomas Jefferson's 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists, emphasizing the "wall of separation between Church and State."
• Her new album, Returning to Myself (released in late October 2025), marks her first solo work since 2021 and explores themes of self-discovery, mortality, and the importance of connection.

Brandi Carlile's Explosive Return to the Iconic Saturday Night Live Stage

If you tuned into Saturday Night Live on November 1, 2025, you were in for a real treat. Brandi Carlile, the GRAMMY-winning artist, made her fourth appearance as a musical guest, and let's just say she left an indelible mark. Hosted by the ever-charismatic Miles Teller, the episode saw Carlile deliver not one, but two unforgettable performances from her brand-new album, Returning to Myself.

Her presence on the Snl stage has always been something special, but this time, it felt particularly significant. After years of incredible collaborations and whirlwind projects, Carlile's latest solo effort is all about introspection and finding her own voice amidst the noise. And she certainly delivered, showcasing the emotional depth and raw power her fans have come to adore.

Unpacking the Powerhouse Performance of "Church & State" and Its Deep Message

First up was the scorching "Church & State," a track that immediately grabbed attention for its hard-rocking, U2-esque vibe. But it wasn't just the music that had everyone talking. In a rare and bold move for live television, Carlile paused between choruses to deliver a spoken recitation that left viewers both captivated and curious. What was she quoting?

It turns out, she recited a powerful excerpt from Thomas Jefferson's 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists. Specifically, the part where Jefferson declares: "I contemplate with sovereign reverence that act of the whole American people which declared that their legislature should make no law respecting an establishment of religion, or prohibiting the free exercise thereof, thus building a wall of separation between Church and State." Talk about making a statement!

Carlile on the Jefferson Quote:

"What he said to the Baptists was intended to reassure them that they would be allowed to practice their faith, spirituality, religion, however you want to refer to it, freely under the Constitution. But he also makes a really important distinction that we aren't an autocracy. We're not a theocracy. We can't rule over people with our interpretation of an extremely opaque scripture and religion..."

— Brandi Carlile, explaining her choice to Variety

Carlile revealed that she co-wrote "Church & State" on Election Night 2024 with her longtime collaborators, twin brothers Phil and Tim Hanseroth, and co-producer Andrew Watt. She described it as a "protest song, or at least reflection anthem," born from observing the state of America. The lyrics, with lines like "While the empire was failing..." and "I saw the ivory towers before the revolution started," clearly echo her topical concerns, proving that history can be powerfully relevant to the present day.

The U2 influence, particularly from their album The Joshua Tree and songs like "Bullet the Blue Sky," was a conscious choice. Carlile even shared a hilarious anecdote about impersonating Bono at 15! This song, rather than featuring a typical guitar solo, features her reading the First Amendment conversation, making it a truly unique and impactful performance that resonates beyond mere entertainment.

Delivering Raw Vulnerability with "Human" and the Album's Core Themes

Following the fierce energy of "Church & State," Carlile transitioned to "Human," a gentler yet equally profound track from Returning to Myself. This soaring ballad offers a deep reflection on vulnerability and resilience, a mood that many felt around the 2024 election when the song was penned. It’s a testament to Carlile’s range that she can shift from blazing rock to such tender introspection without missing a beat.

The album Returning to Myself, released in late October 2025, marks Carlile's eighth studio album and her first solo LP since her critically acclaimed In These Silent Days in 2021. After years of intense collaborations, including her work with Elton John, Joni Mitchell, and the supergroup The Highwomen, Carlile found herself needing a period of self-reflection. She humorously described herself feeling "like a kid, sitting in her room, dreaming of a ride to Seattle from the mobile home park," after feeling drained from years of saying "yes to everything."

The album’s central question, born from a poem Carlile wrote in Aaron Dessner’s barn, asks: "How can loneliness be a holy grail?" Her answer? Self-discovery truly blossoms when surrounded by others. Despite the album's title, it's not about isolation, but about understanding oneself within the context of community. This philosophy is deeply embedded in tracks like "Human," where the shared experience of vulnerability becomes a source of strength.

The Collaborative Heart of Brandi Carlile's New Musical Journey

While Returning to Myself marks her return to solo work, it's far from a solitary endeavor. Carlile is known for being a "fierce collaborator," and this album beautifully showcases that spirit. Co-produced by Andrew Watt and Aaron Dessner (from The National), the record also features an appearance by Justin Vernon (Bon Iver), creating a rich tapestry of sound that balances the legacy of Emmylou Harris with 90s Seattle influences.

Carlile described her creative process with Watt and Dessner as a blend of "tender chaos." Dessner, known for his calm, no-pressure approach, inspired Carlile to write spontaneously. With Watt, the energy shifted, hitting a "U2 button" for Carlile and bringing a distinct sonic quality reminiscent of The Edge and Adam Clayton. The collaboration with Justin Vernon felt like a "musical soul mate" connection, with Vernon ending up playing on almost the entire album after a deeply emotional studio session.

This approach to making music—embracing diverse influences and a community of artists—allows Carlile to explore complex themes like mortality, love, and moral responsibility. The album, as described by one review, delves into "the second half of life, about the quiet strength that comes with memory," ultimately affirming Carlile's belief that while choosing oneself is important, it's best done "surrounded by others."

Brandi Carlile's Enduring Legacy and Future Live Performances

Carlile’s recent SNL performance was her fourth time as a musical guest and her third appearance on the show this year alone! She was part of the SNL50: The Homecoming Concert in February and joined Elton John in April to promote their collaborative album, Who Believes in Angels? This consistent presence highlights her status as a beloved and impactful artist.

Her ability to blend powerful artistry with poignant social commentary makes her a compelling figure in today's music landscape. Her latest SNL turn was more than just a musical performance; it was a conversation, a challenge, and a moment of shared reflection. As the dust settles on her impactful SNL set, fans are already looking ahead.

Carlile will embark on "The Human Tour" in support of Returning to Myself, kicking off in February 2026 on the East Coast. Later that fall, she'll take her music across the pond to Ireland, the U.K., and mainland Europe. So, if you missed her powerful live performances on SNL, you'll have plenty of opportunities to catch her raw talent and inspiring message in person.

Frequently Asked Questions About Brandi Carlile's Latest Album and SNL Appearance

When did Brandi Carlile perform on Saturday Night Live? Brandi Carlile was the musical guest on the November 1, 2025, episode of Saturday Night Live, hosted by Miles Teller. What songs did Brandi Carlile perform on SNL? She performed "Church & State" and "Human," both tracks from her new album, Returning to Myself. What is Brandi Carlile's new album called, and when was it released? Her new album is titled Returning to Myself, and it was released in late October 2025 (some sources say October 24, others October 25). What was Brandi Carlile reciting during "Church & State"? During her performance of "Church & State," Carlile recited an excerpt from Thomas Jefferson's 1802 letter to the Danbury Baptists, specifically about the "wall of separation between Church and State." Is Brandi Carlile going on tour for her new album? Yes, "The Human Tour" is scheduled to begin in February 2026 on the East Coast, with European dates planned for Fall 2026.

Sources:

• Pitchfork - Brandi Carlile Performs “Church & State” and “Human” on SNL: Watch (Accessed November 4, 2025)
• Variety - What Was Brandi Carlile Reciting on ‘SNL’? How Thomas Jefferson’s Proclamation About Separating ‘Church & State’ Made It Into a Blazing Rock Song (Accessed November 4, 2025)
• Rolling Stone - Brandi Carlile Returns to ‘SNL’ with ‘Church & State,’ ‘Human’ (Accessed November 4, 2025)
• Billboard - Brandi Carlile Delivers Powerful ‘Church & State’ & ‘Human’ Performances on ‘SNL’ (Accessed November 4, 2025)
• SiriusXM - Brandi Carlile on 'The Howard Stern Show' Discussing 'Returning to Myself' (Accessed November 4, 2025)
• WECB Radio - Interview: Brandi Carlile, “I Hate Being Alone” (Accessed November 4, 2025)
• XPN - For Brandi Carlile, solitude is overrated (Accessed November 4, 2025)
• Azat TV - Brandi Carlile Ignites SNL Stage: A Night of Resonant Performances and Political Edge (Accessed November 4, 2025)