When Sara Bareilles takes the stage, she’s known for her raw, emotional performances, and her ability to make each show feel intimate and deeply personal. However, behind every show-stopping moment is a pre-show ritual that has been a constant throughout her career. Despite the changing tides of the music industry, Bareilles, 45, still holds on to one tradition that’s remained a source of comfort and grounding for decades: a tiny sip of bourbon.
“I always pour a tiny bit of bourbon before going onstage,” she exclusively reveals in Us Weekly’s Backstage Pass feature. “I don’t even really drink it anymore—I’ve just been doing this since I was in my 20s.” It’s not about the alcohol itself; for Sara, it’s about the ritual. The small act has become part of her routine before every performance, a gesture that has stuck with her as she’s evolved as an artist.
For the Love Song singer, this pre-show tradition isn’t just about a quick sip of bourbon. It’s a moment of connection and focus. She reveals that she also takes the time to “touch in with whoever is going on stage” with her before a performance. For her recent shows at The Kennedy Center, which were filmed for PBS’ Next at the Kennedy Center series and will air on December 31, that included a star-studded lineup of special guests: Rufus Wainwright, Emily King, David Ryan Harris, and composer Nadia DiGiallonardo.
While Bareilles is known for her impeccable voice and musical talent, she’s also deeply spiritual when it comes to her performances. “Spiritually, I try to really touch in on this idea that the best shows are when I can stay in the mind state of, ‘It’s not about me,’” she says. For her, stepping onto the stage is a shared experience between her and the audience. She adds, “On my better nights, I really can get out of my own way.”
It’s clear that Bareilles approaches each show with humility and grace, striving to create an atmosphere that’s not just about her but about the collective energy of everyone in the room. This shift in mindset allows her to deliver unforgettable performances, letting go of any personal anxieties and truly connecting with her fans.
One of the highlights of the Sara Bareilles: New Year’s Eve With the National Symphony Orchestra & Friends show is the powerful rendition of “Gravity,” a song that has become one of Bareilles’ most iconic hits. “I stepped away from the piano for that and just got to sing with the backing of this beautiful orchestra,” she recalls, explaining how an incredible arrangement by Rob Moose added even more magic to the moment.
Sara’s pre-show rituals aren’t just limited to spiritual preparation—they extend into the practical aspects of the performance as well. While some artists may indulge in elaborate dressing room setups, Bareilles is all about keeping it simple. “Snacks, good lighting and a mirror. Basic stuff. I don’t have a bowl of green M&Ms,” she jokes, referencing a common (and somewhat extravagant) rock star demand. “I really just want a bottle of bourbon, some water, good lighting, and my dog, [Louie].”
Bareilles adopted Louie, her beloved dog, in 2022 with her fiancé, actor Joe Tippett. And Louie has become much more than just a pet—he’s her grounding force before stepping into the limelight. “Louie is truly the most helpful,” she shares. “He keeps me present and grounded.” With her dog by her side, she feels more at ease and ready to take on the challenges of performing in front of thousands.
Though she’s not superstitious, Bareilles believes in the power of a mindset over tangible good luck charms. “I’m trying to cultivate a real mindset,” she explains. “That’s the thing that can move with me into different environments.” It’s this focus on mental clarity and emotional readiness that allows Sara to shine night after night.
During the Next at the Kennedy Center special, Sara also performed “Enough,” a song she wrote for the upcoming musical adaptation of Meg Wolitzer’s novel The Interestings. The song reflects the themes of ambition, contentment, and growing up, which deeply resonated with Bareilles during the writing process. “I wrote ‘Enough’ before I had even finished the book,” she explains. “I was so moved by the character of Dennis and the themes that were coming up around childhood and growing up and what is enough and when can we be content with what we have?”
For Sara, “Enough” wasn’t just a reflection of the novel’s themes, but a personal exploration of her own struggles with ambition and the idea of “enough.” “It’s something that I wrestle with in my life quite a bit, too,” she admits, showing the depth of her emotional connection to the material.
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