Joni Mitchell makes triumphant surprise return to Newport Folk Festival

The closing set at this weekend's Newport Folk Festival, in Newport, Rhode Island, was billed as "Brandi Carlile & Friends." But when Carlile's surprise guest walked gingerly onto the stage Sunday, returning to the festival after 53 years, the crowd erupted. Then, supported by an all-star cast of musicians, 78-year-old Joni Mitchell gave her first public performance since a brain aneurysm nearly killed her in 2015.

Oh, you're in my blood like holy wineYou taste so bitter and so sweetOh, I could drink a case of you, darlingStill I'd be on my feetI would still be on my feet

But until rehearsals Friday night, no one was sure she would feel up to it, including Mitchell herself.