Since her breakout victory on American Idol in 2005, Carrie Underwood has become a dominant force in the music industry, ruling country charts with hits like “Before He Cheats” and “Jesus Take the Wheel.” While her roots are firmly planted in country and gospel music, Underwood has long harbored a passion for rock—and she just made her love for the genre known in the most unexpected way.
In a jaw-dropping moment that no one saw coming, Underwood joined rock band Papa Roach on stage during their Rise of the Papa Roach tour stop in Las Vegas, leaving the audience electrified. The night, which had been billed as a classic Papa Roach performance, took an unexpected turn when Underwood emerged from backstage to join the band for a fiery rendition of their iconic hit “Last Resort.” With pyrotechnics lighting up the arena and the crowd roaring, Underwood’s powerful vocals blended perfectly with frontman Jacoby Shaddix, creating an unforgettable performance. The moment quickly went viral, with one venue security guard even caught passionately singing along.
Social media erupted with excitement, as fans shared videos of the performance. One fan commented, “Carrie Underwood and Papa Roach? This is the collab I never knew I needed!” Another wrote, “If this is the future of rock, count me in—this performance was insane!” Underwood herself, still buzzing from the set, took to social media to express her disbelief over the unforgettable moment.
But the surprises didn’t end there. Later in the concert, Underwood returned to the stage to perform “Leave A Light On” with Papa Roach, a powerful ballad with a mission. As they sang, screens lit up with a message of hope, displaying the Suicide & Crisis Lifeline number, 988, and the logo of the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP). The emotional duet carried a message beyond music, as proceeds from the song will be donated to suicide prevention efforts and mental health awareness. Underwood and Papa Roach confirmed that royalties from the song will benefit the AFSP in perpetuity.
They also encouraged fans to visit AFSP.org to learn more about how to recognize signs of emotional struggle in loved ones, providing tools and resources for those in need of support.
This unlikely pairing between a country music icon and a rock band not only set the stage on fire in Vegas but also brought a vital message of compassion and mental health awareness to the forefront, proving once again that music knows no boundaries.