Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow created pure magic on stage when they performed an emotional version of Bonnie Raitt’s classic song ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ at the Kennedy Center Honors last year. But what made this moment even more special? Bonnie Raitt herself was in the audience, watching as they paid tribute to her with a breathtaking performance.
Both Brandi and Sheryl looked absolutely stunning, dressed like true stars, as they took the stage. Sheryl sat at the piano, playing beautifully, her fingers gliding over the keys with a delicate touch that made the song feel even more intimate. And then, there was Brandi’s voice—soft yet powerful, floating through the room like pure magic. It was the kind of performance that could bring tears to your eyes, and for many people watching, it did just that.
What made their version stand out was how they made the song their own. Instead of simply copying Bonnie’s original, they stripped it down to its rawest, most emotional form. Brandi and Sheryl have an incredible chemistry on stage, feeding off each other’s energy and creating a performance that felt deeply personal.
If you’ve never heard Bonnie Raitt’s original version, you’re in for a treat! Her music video for ‘I Can’t Make You Love Me’ is a masterpiece, filmed in dramatic black and white with haunting shadows that add to the song’s heartache. No wonder it has over 36.5 million views on YouTube!
During the Kennedy Center Honors, Bonnie Raitt was celebrated with several tribute performances, but Brandi and Sheryl’s duet was one of the night’s highlights. Their heartfelt performance not only honored Bonnie’s incredible song but also showed off their own incredible musical talent.
Brandi Carlile and Sheryl Crow proved once again why they are such powerful performers. Their emotional connection and individual artistry combined to create a moment that no one in the audience would forget. It was a perfect example of how live music can touch the heart. If you want to see more of their amazing work, check out the links below!
