A Compassionate Message on the ACM Stage

During the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards held at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, Lauren Alaina took a poignant moment to address the importance of Mental Health Awareness Month. The 31-year-old artist used her platform to offer comfort to those struggling in silence before introducing the duo Dan + Shay.


“Sometimes, lifting lives can mean saving lives,” Alaina stated, clearly moved by the gravity of the subject. “May is Mental Health Awareness Month and an important time to say if you are secretly suffering, you are not alone. Like too many of you out there, I know what it’s like to lose someone who struggled with their mental health, so to anybody out there tonight suffering, please know there is always someone to listen and someone to help. Just please, please reach out.”


Overcome with emotion, the singer shed tears as she emphasized the need for communal support. She praised the song “Say So” by Dan + Shay, noting its potential to impact lives positively, as it was written following a tragic loss within the country music community.


The Story Behind “Say So”

The track “Say So” holds deep personal significance for Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney. It was written in honor of their close friend and mentor, Ben Vaughn, who passed away by suicide in early 2025 at age 49. The song’s lyrics serve as a beacon of hope for those navigating dark times:


“If your light burns out and you’re in the dark / If you can’t pick up the pieces / If the world you trusted falls apart / If your heart’s run out of reasons / I’ll be there every time you call / Pick you up every time you fall / If you’re going through hell, you’re not alone / If you need somebody, say so.”

Advocacy Through Personal Experience

This message of support is part of the ACM Lifting Lives initiative, the philanthropic arm of the Academy of Country Music. Alaina’s advocacy is rooted in her own journey; the former American Idol contestant has been candid about her battles with depression, particularly during the onset of the COVID-19 pandemic. She chronicled these personal challenges in her album, Sitting Pretty on Top of the World.


If you or someone you know is in crisis, support is available. You can call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org for assistance.