The singer-songwriter introduced Dan + Shay, who played their new song “Say So” in honor of their late friend, music executive Ben Vaughn
Singer Lauren Alaina broke down in tears while introducing Dan + Shay ahead of their performance at the Academy of Country Music Awards, emphasizing the importance of seeking help amid mental health struggles.
“Sometimes, lifting lives can mean saving lives,” Alaina said while presenting at the ACM Awards in Las Vegas on Sunday night. “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,” she continued. “Just please, please reach out.”
Alaina went on to say that Dan + Shay would be performing their “powerful new” single from their upcoming album Young, which is set to be released Aug. 21. The song was “inspired by a heartbreaking loss in our country music family,” Alaina added. “When I first heard it, [I knew] this song is going to save lives.”
Last January, beloved music executive Ben Vaughn died by suicide at age 49. He had served as president and CEO of Warner Chappell Nashville. Alaina credited him as being the “kindest and most supportive friend.”
The touching moment tied into ACM Lifting Lives, which is in its 20th year of “ improving lives through the power of music,” according to the philanthropic organization.
