Brandi Carlile is thriving in her solo music career, yet she harbors a passionate ambition to create her own supergroup. During a recent event at the Kennedy Center Honors in Washington, D.C., where she celebrated the legendary Bonnie Raitt, Carlile shared her aspirations with Billboard. Her enthusiasm for collaboration with other iconic artists showcases her drive to elevate her artistry even further.

“I’ve got this exciting plan — I’ve been reaching out to Bonnie for a couple of years now to collaborate on a trio with her and Sheryl [Crow],” Carlile expressed. Her dream almost came to fruition that night as she and Crow delivered a heartfelt rendition of Raitt’s timeless classic, “I Can’t Make You Love Me.” The moment was made even more special as Raitt watched with pride from her seat, surrounded by fellow honorees, including the Grateful Dead, Arturo Sandoval, and filmmaker Francis Ford Coppola, alongside President Joe Biden and Dr. Jill Biden.

“I truly believe it’s the best idea ever, so if you happen to know anyone influential who could advocate for me, I’d be incredibly grateful,” Carlile quipped humorously. “Isn’t it a fantastic idea? I genuinely think it is.” This light-hearted appeal reflects her passion for collaboration and her desire to bring together powerful voices in the music industry.

The vision of a supergroup evokes nostalgia for the iconic trio of Dolly Parton, Linda Ronstadt, and Emmylou Harris, who formed a collective and released their Grammy-winning album Trio in 1987, followed by another album in 1999. Coincidentally, Harris was also present at the Kennedy Center Honors, where she performed Raitt’s beautiful interpretation of John Prine’s “Angel from Montgomery” alongside Dave Matthews, adding to the evening’s rich musical legacy.

Being in Washington, Carlile was also prompted to discuss the recent presidential election results. She acknowledged that there has been an element of self-care during this transitional period as President Biden wraps up his term and Donald Trump prepares to return to office on January 20. Her insights reflect the emotional complexities many face during political shifts.

“I wake up every morning as a political lesbian, whether I like it or not, in a household with women raising two young girls whom I feel a strong obligation to protect,” Carlile shared thoughtfully. “I constantly assess how our family can contribute to moving this nation forward in any way possible.” She expressed the profound gravity of witnessing the honorees accept their accolades for diplomacy and excellence, emphasizing that the arts represent the very best of our society. “This is how we showcase who we are,” she concluded, highlighting the vital role of artistic expression in shaping our identity.