\n\t\t\t
\n Related: <\/span>ACM Awards 2026 Red Carpet: Stars Saddle Up for a Stylish Night Out<\/span><\/a>
\n\t\t<\/h3>\n<\/p><\/div>\n\n\t\t\tCountry music\u2019s biggest stars delivered a fashion moment worth singing about even before the trophies were handed out at the 61st Academy of Country Music Awards. Thank You! You have successfully subscribed. Subscribe to newsletters Enter your email Please enter a valid email. Subscribe By signing up, I agree to the Terms and Privacy Policy [\u2026]\t\t<\/p>\n<\/div>\n
After telling herself, \u201cOh, man, OK, I\u2019m doing a great job,\u201d she took a deep breath and began sharing why Dan + Shay\u2019s new song \u201cSay So\u201d is so meaningful.<\/p>\n
\u201cTwo friends of mine, Dan + Shay, whose powerful new song \u2018Say So\u2019 was inspired by a heartbreaking loss in our country music family,\u201d she said.\u00a0 \u201cWhen I first heard it, [I knew] this song is going to save lives.\u201d<\/p>\n
According to Dan Smyers<\/strong> and Shay Mooney<\/strong>, their song was inspired by their close friend and mentor, Ben Vaughn<\/strong>, who died by suicide in January 2025 at the age of 49.<\/p>\n\u201cIf your light burns out and you\u2019re in the dark \/ If you can\u2019t pick up the pieces \/ If the world you trusted falls apart \/ If your heart\u2019s run out of reasons \/ I\u2019ll be there every time you call,\u201d the duo sings in the song\u2019s chorus. \u201cPick you up every time you fall \/ If you\u2019r\u0435 going through hell, you\u2019re not alone \/ If you need som\u0435body, say so.\u201d<\/p>\n
The performance was part of ACM Lifting Lives, which Alaina described as the philanthropy partner of the Academy of Country Music.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s dedicated to improving lives through the power of music,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\n\n\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/themes\/us-weekly\/assets\/img\/newsletter-bg-narrow.jpg\")
\n\t![\"\"](\"https:\/\/www.usmagazine.com\/wp-content\/themes\/us-weekly\/assets\/img\/newsletter-bg-wide.jpg\")
<\/p>\n
\u201cIf your light burns out and you\u2019re in the dark \/ If you can\u2019t pick up the pieces \/ If the world you trusted falls apart \/ If your heart\u2019s run out of reasons \/ I\u2019ll be there every time you call,\u201d the duo sings in the song\u2019s chorus. \u201cPick you up every time you fall \/ If you\u2019r\u0435 going through hell, you\u2019re not alone \/ If you need som\u0435body, say so.\u201d<\/p>\n
The performance was part of ACM Lifting Lives, which Alaina described as the philanthropy partner of the Academy of Country Music.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s dedicated to improving lives through the power of music,\u201d she said.<\/p>\n
\n\t
<\/p>\n