In an unforgettable installment, Austin City Limits (ACL) celebrates acclaimed singer-songwriter Brandi Carlile with a special hour saluting her induction into the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame. The Season 52 episode features a memorable induction by the legendary Bonnie Raitt, who also joins Carlile onstage for a one-of-a-kind performance. One of the most respected and beloved artists of her generation, Carlile makes her fourth headlining appearance on the ACL stage in an hour that celebrates both her remarkable career and her deep connection to the series. The 11-time GRAMMY Award winner delivers a stunning set centered around her acclaimed album Returning to Myself.
The episode premieres Saturday, September 12 at 8 p.m. CT/9 p.m. ET. ACL airs weekly on PBS stations nationwide (check local listings), with full episodes available to stream at PBS.org and on the PBS App. All Season 52 episodes, including Brandi Carlile’s Hall of Fame hour, will also be available to stream free on the ACLTV YouTube Channel.
The hour opens with a series of recorded salutes celebrating Carlile’s singular talent and impact, featuring tributes from Sheryl Crow, the Indigo Girls, the Highwomen and more. 13-time GRAMMY Award winner Bonnie Raitt, a 2016 ACL Hall of Fame inductee, takes the stage to induct Carlile, reflecting on the legacy of the television series and its unique place in music history. “For more than half a century now Austin City Limits has been a loving home to all kinds of real music and the real people that make it,” says Raitt, who celebrates Carlile by sharing, “There’s really no one quite like her. The most amazing range in voice, clarion clear and powerful, and as far-reaching as her songs and lyrics.”
Carlile accepts the honor by recounting her first journey to Austin with longtime bandmates and collaborators Tim and Phil Hanseroth. “Me and my brothers…first rolled into Austin in our old Chevy van, White Lightning it was called, over 20 years ago,” she recalls. “I remember getting to town and wanting two things: Tex-Mex and to know where Austin City Limits was taped.”
Following her induction, Carlile takes the stage for a dynamic set featuring selections from Returning to Myself, her first solo album in four years. She opens with the title track, alone with an acoustic guitar before her seven-piece band joins her mid-song, transforming the intimate opening into a soaring full-band arrangement. Acclaimed violin-and-cello duo SistaStrings adds lush accompaniment to the performance. Introducing “No One Knows Us,” Brandi quips, “This song’s about dysfunctional relationships—and how much I love ‘em,” before launching into the sweeping highlight.
“I want to welcome to the stage my hero Bonnie Raitt,” smiles Carlile, inviting Raitt to join her for “Love Me Like A Man,” Raitt’s early career classic that Carlile hand-selected for the occasion. Calling it “one of my favorite songs that you’ve ever done,” Carlile adds, “The guitar playing alone is about the sexiest thing I’ve ever been able to fathom.” Carlile and Raitt trade vocals on the blues burner in a powerhouse duet, bringing together two trailblazers in a one-of-a-kind ACL performance.
Carlile continues with “Human,” “Church & State” and “You Without Me” before closing the hour with a soaring rendition of Alanis Morissette’s “Uninvited.”
Carlile first appeared on Austin City Limits in 2010 and returned in 2018 and 2022, building a remarkable legacy on the ACL stage. Her Hall of Fame induction marks another milestone in that relationship and recognizes an artist whose music has transcended genre while earning widespread acclaim as a singer, songwriter, producer, performer and activist.
“When you watch this episode, you’ll see why Brandi says it was ‘one of the most special days of my life,’” said ACL executive producer Terry Lickona. “There is a glow about her that creates a certain magic that runs through the whole show. The love between Brandi and Bonnie is genuine, and when they make music together, it’s a joy to watch.”
Brandi Carlile Episode Setlist:
- “Returning to Myself”
- “No One Knows Us”
- “Human”
- “Church & State”
- “You Without Me”
- “Love Me Like A Man” (with Bonnie Raitt)
- “Uninvited”
Established in 2014, the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame honors artists who have played a defining role in the series’ more than half-century legacy, celebrating them with unforgettable, one-night-only tributes, carving their name into ACL history. Since its 10th anniversary in 2024, the Hall of Fame has shifted to spotlight a singular artist each year with an in-depth tribute.
Over the years, the Hall of Fame stage has brought together unforgettable pairings and once-in-a-lifetime performances, including Matthew McConaughey inducting Willie Nelson with Texas reverence and wit, Sean Penn honoring Lyle Lovett in a hilarious and deeply personal tribute, and Ethan Hawke saluting John Prine with poetic grace. Filmmaker Cameron Crowe welcomed My Morning Jacket into the fold, while Jason Isbell paid moving tribute to Lucinda Williams, and Don Henley honored Trisha Yearwood. Guitar great Jimmie Vaughan inducted Buddy Guy, Mavis Staples honored Bonnie Raitt and Chris Isaak saluted Roy Orbison. The Hall of Fame stage has also produced singular musical moments, including Garth Brooks’ marathon two hour masterclass for his induction, Willie Nelson joining Buddy Guy in tribute to Stevie Ray Vaughan, and the Flatlanders reuniting to celebrate Joe Ely. From all-star collaborations to intimate moments of connection, the Hall of Fame has become a cornerstone of ACL’s story, capturing the freewheeling spirit, community, and musical excellence that define the series.
Season 52 Broadcast Line-up (second half of season to be announced):
- September 4 —Carlos Vives y La Provincia
- September 12—Austin City Limits 12th Annual Hall of Fame Honors Brandi Carlile
- September 19—Billy Strings
- September 26—Miguel
- October 3—Sienna Spiro
- October 9—Olivia Rodrigo
- October 17—Ari Lennox
- October 24—The Red Clay Strays
- October 31—Ty Myers
- November 14—Sebastián Yatra
- November 21—Austin City Limits Presents: Americana 25th Annual Honors
For press images and episode information, visit the Austin City Limits press room at ACLTV.com/press-room.
Filmed before a live audience at ACL Live at The Moody Theater in downtown Austin, each episode captures the intimacy and authenticity that have made Austin City Limits a cultural institution for more than five decades. From legendary icons to today’s most exciting new voices, the series continues its mission of showcasing the very best in live music.
Austin City Limits Hall of Fame Honors Brandi Carlile premieres Saturday, September 12 on PBS. Austin City Limits and the Austin City Limits Hall of Fame are produced by Austin PBS. Watch full episodes of Austin City Limits on PBS, stream online, and via the PBS App. As of Season 52, all episodes will be available to stream for free on the ACLTV YouTube Channel. Follow @acltv on Instagram, Facebook, X/Twitter and TikTok for updates on livestreams, future tapings and episode schedules. Fans can also explore the ACLTV YouTube Channel for exclusive songs, behind-the-scenes content, and full-length artist interviews. Learn more about Austin City Limits, its programming and its history at ACLTV.com.