Brandi Carlile Brings Her 'Human Tour' to Allstate Arena

The singer-songwriter's first-ever arena tour showcases her acclaimed music and activism.

Published on Feb. 21, 2026

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Brandi Carlile brought her acclaimed 'Human Tour' to a sold-out Allstate Arena in Rosemont, Illinois, on Friday night. The concert featured songs from her latest album 'Returning to Myself' as well as collaborations with Elton John and covers of classics by Alanis Morissette and Linda Ronstadt. Throughout the show, Carlile highlighted her activism and philanthropic work, including raising funds for legal aid and encouraging fans to write postcards of support.

Why it matters

Carlile's 'Human Tour' comes at a pivotal moment in her career, as she has risen to become a major star with 11 Grammys, 2 Emmys, and an Oscar nomination. Despite her success, she has remained true to her principles of using her platform to advocate for important causes, making her a beloved figure across genres from Americana to alt-rock.

The details

Carlile's two-plus-hour set opened with the title track from her new album 'Returning to Myself,' performed in silhouette behind a large curtain displaying celestial imagery. The show then transitioned into 'Human,' with the curtain dropping to reveal Carlile and her seven-piece band. Throughout the concert, Carlile played nearly every song from 'Returning to Myself,' which explores themes of midlife and relationships. She also performed collaborations with Elton John, as well as covers of songs by Alanis Morissette and Linda Ronstadt. The encore featured a group effort with opener The Head and the Heart on Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida'.

  • Carlile's 'Human Tour' kicked off just days after she delivered a rousing performance of 'America the Beautiful' at the Super Bowl.
  • Carlile's Twin Cities show on Saturday, February 22, 2026 will be turned into an audio and visual livestream benefiting The Advocates for Human Rights.

The players

Brandi Carlile

An acclaimed singer-songwriter and activist who has won 11 Grammys, 2 Emmys, and received an Oscar nomination. She is known for her powerful vocals and socially conscious lyrics.

The Head and the Heart

An indie folk rock band that opened for Carlile and joined her for the encore performance of Coldplay's 'Viva La Vida'.

Phil and Tim Hanseroth

Carlile's longtime musical partners, known as 'the twins', who performed with her at the Allstate Arena concert.

SistaStrings

A Milwaukee-based violinist and cellist duo that accompanied Carlile at the Super Bowl and her Allstate Arena show.

Elton John

The legendary singer-songwriter who collaborated with Carlile on the album 'Who Believes in Angels?'

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What they’re saying

“The plight of displaced people, people who have left their homes in search of safety, of a better life, is the defining test of our humanity in this time and age.”

— Brandi Carlile

“We have all these lights and fake fog and s---, it feels monstrous.”

— Brandi Carlile

What’s next

Carlile's Twin Cities show on Saturday, February 22, 2026 will be turned into an audio and visual livestream benefiting The Advocates for Human Rights.

The takeaway

Brandi Carlile's 'Human Tour' showcases her incredible musical talent and her unwavering commitment to using her platform to advocate for important social and humanitarian causes, cementing her status as a beloved and respected artist across genres.