Carrie Underwood has added her voice to Papa Roach’s “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark).” Proceeds from the song all go to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP), which will receive royalties generated from both artists from the song, in perpetuity.
“It’s a cause that’s very near and dear to Papa Roach and to Jacoby Shaddix, who is the main vocalist,” Underwood told Good Morning America. “When they asked me to come sing on the song, I loved the song, and I loved their cause. They work a lot with the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, and they want to help people. They use their life story.”
When announcing the song, Underwood said it was an easy decision for her to join the rock band on the powerful anthem.
“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. “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.”
Papa Roach first released “Leave A Light On” in 2023, but were thrilled to add Underwood to the new version.
“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. It’s an honor to have a ‘Rock Star’ bring life to this track with us.”
The new song comes as Underwood is also facing something else new in her career: a return to American Idol, this time as a judge. The Season 4 winner just announced she was taking the place left vacant when Katy Perry exited the show.
Photo Credit: Courtesy of ABC / Randee St. Nicholas
“It feels like home,” Underwood said. “There’s so many people that even still work on the show that were there when I was a contestant. And I feel like being on both sides of the coin, I’ll be able to hopefully offer some insight and help and kind of offer a different viewpoint.”
One thing that Underwood says contestants can expect from her is truthfulness, even if it might not be what they want to hear.
“I do have a big problem … I can’t lie. I just can’t,” Underwood maintained. “You can tell. I feel like I’ll be very honest, but hopefully I can be very constructive and encouraging.”
Two decades after winning American Idol, Underwood still performs “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” her first single from her freshman Some Hearts album, and also her first No. 1 hit,
“I remember hearing ‘Jesus, Take the Wheel’ very early on in my career. Literally, on tour with American Idol, and just being drawn to the song immediately,” the 41-year-old told CMT. “It just made me want to cry in the best way, and I knew I had to sing it, but I honestly think the song kind of picked me.”
In addition to appearing on Idol, Underwood is also extending her REFLECTIONS: The Las Vegas Residency into 2025, due to fan demand. Find all of Underwood’s music and tour dates at CarrieUnderwoodOfficial.com.