Elton John and Brandi Carlile have been making the rounds promoting Who Believes in Angels?, sharing in multiple interviews how much they love their new collaborative album. Their fans apparently feel the same way, as the album has topped the U.K.’s Official Albums Chart.
Videos by American Songwriter
This marks the 10th time that one of Elton’s albums has reached No. 1 on the tally, while it’s Brandi’s first U.K. cart-topper. In celebration of the milestone, John posed for a photo with all 10 of his Official Number 1 Album Awards.
Elton issued an exclusive statement to the U.K. Official Charts Company about the album and its success.
“Working with Brandi, [lyricist] Bernie [Taupin] and [producer] Andrew [Watt] on this album was one of the greatest musical experiences of my life,” he said. “It was initially challenging, but working through that process allowed us to emerge with something truly joyous and celebratory.”
Elton added, “We’ve been blown away by the response and love we’ve felt, and to see Who Believes in Angels? reach Number 1 is a true joy. We couldn’t be prouder of it.”
John also shot a short video message in which he expressed similar sentiments.
“It always feels good to be No. 1,” he said in the clip. “Thank you, everybody, that went out and bought … the album. I feel so privileged and I feel so grateful. And speaking on behalf of Brandi, Bernie, and Andrew Watt, they feel exactly the same. Thanks.”
Brandi Carlile Also Issued a Statement
Carlile sent out her own message about the album’s chart achievement.
“Hello my beloved UK!,” she said. “Thank you so much for making Who Believes in Angels? the Official Number 1 album! This is a dream come true for me because I got to make this album with my absolute hero and dear friend Elton John!
She added, “I want to say a huge thank you to all the fans in the UK for your support, and obviously to Elton for believing in me and championing me in such a generous way. Thank you to our wonderful collaborators—my inspiration Bernie Taupin and the brilliant Andrew Watt.”
Carlile also shared her excitement about her upcoming plans to tour the U.K. in June. “I can’t wait to see you all this summer on tour!” she said.
Elton’s Social Media Message
Meanwhile, John posted a longer video message about the new album on his social media pages.
“It’s so wonderful to be No. 1 in the charts with Who Believes in Angels?, ’cause it’s an album that really means so much to me,” he said in the clip. “It’s the first Elton John album since [the 2016 release] Wonderful Crazy Night, really, apart from The Lockdown Sessions. … So I’m so thrilled. Thank you, everyone, for supporting it, [and] coming to [the March 26 concert at the London] Palladium.”
Elton added, “It’s been a tremendous labor of love promoting it, but when you like something as we do this album, it’s OK, it’s great. It’s lovely to be able to talk about positive things, and I really feel positive about this album. Thank you so much. I feel wonderful.”
More About Elton’s Chart-Topping Success in the U.K.
Who Believes in Angels? reaches No. 1 on the Official Albums Chart just three months after Elton’s previous U.K. chart-topper. In January 2025, John’s 2017 hits compilation Diamonds ascended to No. 1 on the tally.
Elton’s other No. 1 U.K. albums are, in order of their release, Don’t Shoot Me I’m Only the Piano Player (1973), Goodbye Yellow Brick Road (1973), Caribou (1974), Elton John’s Greatest Hits (1974), Sleeping with the Past (1989), The Very Best of Elton John (1990), the collaborative project with Pnau Good Morning to the Night (2012), and The Lockdown Sessions (2021).
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