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Tearful Plea: Country Star Highlights Suicide Prevention
18 May
Summary
- Country singer pleads for mental health awareness during ACM Awards.
- New song by Dan + Shay inspired by a friend's suicide.
- ACM Awards highlight charity improving lives through music.
At the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, May 17, host Alaina urged attendees to recognize Mental Health Awareness Month. She shared a personal message of hope, stating, "if you are secretly suffering, you are not alone."
Alaina became emotional while introducing Dan + Shay's song "Say So," explaining it was inspired by a tragic loss within the country music family. The duo's song, written after the suicide of their mentor Ben Vaughn in January 2025, offers a message of support to those in distress.
The performance also served to promote ACM Lifting Lives, the Academy of Country Music's philanthropic arm focused on enhancing lives through music. Alaina, who has previously spoken about her own mental health challenges, stressed the importance of reaching out for help.
