Jon Batiste Delivers a Vibrant “Big Money” Performance on Austin City Limits

Austin City Limits returns for the back half of its 51st season with a slate of performances that includes Grammy-nominated pianist and bandleader Jon Batiste, along with artists such as Leon Thomas and Reneé Rapp.

Although the remainder of the season officially resumes in January, a special episode spotlighting Batiste will premiere on Saturday, December 13, 2025. The multi-Grammy nominee makes his ACL return for the first time since 2021, presenting selections from his most recent record, Big Money, accompanied by a 14-piece ensemble. R&B singer-songwriter Andra Day joins him for the episode.

Billboard exclusively debuts Batiste’s performance of the album’s title track below, which also includes a brief demonstration of the “Big Money” dance. Batiste describes the uplifting song as a reminder to resist trading one’s integrity for fleeting rewards.

Big Money, released in August, is Batiste’s ninth studio album and features collaborators including Andra Day, Randy Newman and producer No I.D. The first half of Austin City Limits season 51 premiered in October and showcased performances from artists such as FINNEAS, the Marías, Kelsea Ballerini and Samara Joy.

Produced by Austin PBS, Austin City Limits has earned numerous honors over its long run — including a Peabody Award, a Rock & Roll Hall of Fame recognition and the National Medal of Arts, making it the only television series to receive that national distinction.

Below is the schedule for the second half of season 51. Episodes are available to watch live, stream online, or via the PBS app.

• Dec. 13, 2025 — Jon Batiste
• Jan. 17, 2026 — Reneé Rapp; Thee Sacred Souls
• Jan. 24, 2026 — Marcus King Band; Wyatt Flores
• Jan. 31, 2026 — Queens of the Stone Age
• Feb. 7, 2026 — Leon Thomas

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