Carrie Underwood, Papa Roach Raise Awareness for Suicide Prevention With New Collab

Although she may be one of the most recognizable names in country music, Carrie Underwood is a hardcore rock fan. She famously performed multiple times with Guns N’ Roses’ Axl Rose, brought out Joan Jett at her 2019 CMA Fest set, and regularly covers Motörhead’s “Ace of Spades” in concert. Now, Underwood has teamed up with alt-metal band Papa Roach for a new version of the band’s hit “Leave a Light On (Talk Away the Dark).”

The song originally appeared on Papa Roach’s 2022 album Ego Trip and became an anthem for the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention. The new version, which pairs Underwood with the band’s frontman Jacoby Shaddix, seeks to amplify that partnership with the AFSP and raise further awareness for suicide prevention and for the 988 Suicide & Crisis Lifeline in the United States and Canada. According to a release, the AFSP will “receive royalties generated from both artists from the song, in perpetuity.”

“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,” Underwood said in a statement. “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.”

“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,” Shaddix said. “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.”

Underwood has had a newsy week. On Tuesday, she announced the extension of her Las Vegas show Reflection: The Las Vegas Residency at the Resorts World Theatre. And on Thursday, the former American Idol winner made it official that she was joining the singing competition as a judge, replacing Katy Perry at the table next to fellow country singer Luke Bryan and Lionel Richie.