Lauren Alaina Moved to Tears at the 2026 ACM Awards
Lauren Alaina is sending a heartfelt message to music fans: it’s perfectly fine to not be okay.
At the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards on Sunday, May 17, Alaina, 31, took a moment to highlight Mental Health Awareness Month before welcoming Dan + Shay to the stage.
“Sometimes, lifting lives means saving lives. May is Mental Health Awareness Month, a vital time to express that if you are silently struggling, you are not alone,” Alaina addressed the audience at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. “Like many of you, I understand the pain of losing someone who faced mental health challenges. To anyone suffering tonight, remember, there is always someone ready to listen and help. Please, don’t hesitate to reach out.”
Overwhelmed with emotion, Alaina could not hold back her tears.
After reassuring herself, “Oh, man, OK, I’m doing a great job,” she took a deep breath and started explaining why Dan + Shay’s new song “Say So” holds special significance.
“Two friends of mine, Dan + Shay, crafted their poignant new song ‘Say So’ after a heartbreaking loss in our country music community,” she noted. “Upon hearing it for the first time, I realized this song could save lives.”
According to Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, their song was inspired by their dear friend and mentor, Ben Vaughn, who tragically passed by suicide in January 2025 at 49 years old.
“If your light fades and you find yourself in darkness / If you struggle to piece it all together / If the world you relied on crumbles / If your heart is short on reasons / I’ll be there whenever you call,” they sing in the chorus. “I’ll lift you each time you fall / If you’re navigating through hell, you’re not alone / If you need someone, just say so.”
This performance was part of ACM Lifting Lives, which Alaina described as the philanthropic partner of the Academy of Country Music.
“It’s focused on enhancing lives through the healing power of music,” she expressed.
Alaina has been candid about her own battles with mental health. The former American Idol contestant has shared that she faced depression during the onset of the coronavirus pandemic. Her journey was documented in her album Sitting Pretty on Top of the World.
The 2026 ACM Awards can be streamed on Prime Video.
If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or visit 988lifeline.org.
