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Carrie Underwood is joining forces with Papa Roach on a cross-genre collaboration with an important message.
The rockers announced on Wednesday morning (July 31) that they have a song with Underwood set to release at the end of the week. The duet is part of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s Talk Away The Dark initiative to raise awareness about the warning signs of suicide. The nonprofit organization stated in a post about the campaign shared on Instagram last year that the topic often “hides in the shadows. All too often it goes unaddressed, even when we may sense someone is struggling.” The public service announcement also aims to “encourage you to start an open and honest conversation with someone you care about, and connect those at risk to help.”
“We’re continuing the mission to raise awareness for suicide prevention and the [American Foundation for Suicide Prevention]’s ‘Talk Away The Dark’ campaign, now with the incredible Carrie Underwood by our side,” Papa Roach wrote in an Instagram caption as the band announced the soon-to-debut duet with Underwood. The new rendition of the song, titled ”Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark),” will arrive on Friday (August 2). Listen to the original version again below.
“We were humbled that Carrie was open to our mission, and hearing the power of Carrie’s voice in that recording session we were blown away,” frontman Jacoby Shaddix said in a press release shared on Underwood’s website on Wednesday. The release also notes that “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” will continue to raise awareness for suicide prevention (including the 988 Suicide and Crisis Lifeline) and mental health by donating royalties from the song to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. “Not only is her vocal ability unequaled, but the impact of her voice brings a new meaning to our cause and will help people all over the globe. It’s an honor to have a ‘Rock Star’ bring life to this track with us.”
Underwood added in a statement: “I’m such a huge fan of Jacoby and Papa Roach and was honored to be invited to record ‘Leave A Light On’ with them. It’s a beautiful song and the message behind it and the band’s mission to shine a light on suicide prevention and mental health awareness has never been more important.”
The new version of “Leave A Light On” is Papa Roach’s latest way they’re teaming up with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention in an effort to”to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide.” Shaddix said in a video shared on Instagram in October 2023 that a portion of the band’s royalties from “Leave A Light On” would be donated directly to the organization. Earlier this year, Papa Roach released “Scars,” a collaboration featuring Chris Daughtry that also supports the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.
“It was an honor to perform this classic which has been a personal favorite with my friend Jacoby and the boys when they came to Nashville,” Daughtry, another former American Idol contestant, said when the collaboration released in January. “It’s an even greater honor that it is being used to do some good for an organization that is close to my heart.”
If you or someone you know is considering suicide or is in emotional distress, please contact the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline at 1-800-273-TALK (8255), text "STRENGTH" to the Crisis Text Line at 741-741 or go to suicidepreventionlifeline.org.