Carrie Underwood Joins Papa Roach on Stage at MGM Grand for Epic Live Performance

Table of Contents

1. Key Highlights
2. Introduction
3. A Night of Firsts
4. The Backstory: Healing Through Music
5. Performance Highlights: An Unforgettable Night
6. The Legacy of "Last Resort"
7. Building a Community Through Music
8. Implications for the Future of Mental Health Awareness
9. Conclusion: A New Era of Collaboration
10. FAQ

Key Highlights

• Carrie Underwood surprised fans by joining Papa Roach on stage for a live performance at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on April 5, 2025.
• The collaboration marked the first time the two acts performed together live, celebrating the 25th anniversary of Papa Roach's iconic hit "Last Resort."
• Underwood and Papa Roach previously collaborated on the song "Leave a Light On" to raise awareness for mental health and suicide prevention, with royalties benefitting the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

Introduction

The convergence of musical genres often leads to unexpected collaborations that can captivate audiences. Such an instance occurred on April 5, 2025, when country music sensation Carrie Underwood shared the stage with rock band Papa Roach at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. As the guitars thundered and the crowd erupted, the duo brought a fresh twist to the iconic track "Last Resort." Their performance not only marked a significant milestone but also served to highlight the importance of mental health awareness—an issue both artists have passionately advocated for.

A Night of Firsts

Underwood's appearance at the Papa Roach concert came as a surprise to many. She had just finished her own show nearby and decided to join her friends for a historic performance. As Jacoby Shaddix, lead singer of Papa Roach, launched into the song's iconic a cappella opening—"Cut my life into pieces"—his vocals resonated through the arena. Underwood joined in, singing the equally famous refrain, creating an electrifying atmosphere that brought the audience to their feet.

Shaddix expressed his own disbelief at the collaboration, stating, “We could not have imagined a better way to celebrate 'Last Resort' than with Carrie under the bright lights of Las Vegas. Her energy is electric.”

The performance marked not only a celebration of the band's 25th anniversary of the song but also the culmination of a growing friendship that originated in 2024 when the artists first collaborated on "Leave a Light On (Talk Way the Dark)."

The Backstory: Healing Through Music

The collaboration between Carrie Underwood and Papa Roach was born out of a shared mission: raising awareness for mental health issues. In a time marked by growing concerns over mental health, musicians like Underwood and Shaddix have sought to use their platforms to address such critical topics.

They recorded "Leave a Light On" in 2024, a song that aims to draw attention to suicide prevention and mental health awareness. This refreshed version not only showcased Underwood's powerful vocals but also combined the distinct qualities of both artists' musical styles—blending country and nu-metal into a moving anthem that resonates with many facing mental health challenges.

Shaddix hailed Underwood's involvement, noting, "Hearing the power of Carrie’s voice in the studio was transformative. She brings a whole new meaning to the song." This collaboration further cemented the duo’s bond, as they both committed to donating the song's royalties to the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, emphasizing the importance of their cause.

Performance Highlights: An Unforgettable Night

Throughout their performance, Underwood and Papa Roach displayed an undeniable chemistry. The swirling lights of the MGM Grand only intensified the energy in the arena as they launched into "Last Resort," a track known for its honest and raw depictions of inner turmoil.

• Iconic Lyrics: As the chorus "Suffocation, no breathing / Don’t give a f--k if I cut my arm bleeding" echoed, an entire arena of fans sang along, recapturing the spirit of this nu-metal classic.
• Emotional Connection: Both artists connected with the audience, underscoring the importance of mental health discussions during a lively show, where one could feel the emotional weight of the lyrics intertwined with the thrill of live music.

Underwood took to social media post-performance, sharing, “Still in disbelief over this one. Not only did I get to perform 'Leave A Light On' with them, but I got called BACK out to do 'Last Resort,' because, why not?! Oh, and they told me that our song went GOLD, which is amazing because it’s raising money for a great cause!”

The Legacy of "Last Resort"

Originally released in 2000, "Last Resort" quickly became a staple in the nu-metal genre, known for its candid reflections on mental health struggles. The song touches on themes of depression and self-harm, resonating with younger generations who often find solace in music. The 25th-anniversary celebration at the MGM Grand highlighted not just nostalgia for longstanding fans but also the continuing relevance of the song’s message.

Papa Roach's ability to reinvent their sound while keeping the original message intact has allowed them to remain relevant in an ever-evolving music landscape. This collaboration with Underwood acts as a bridge between distinct musical genres and opens the dialogue about mental health to an even wider audience.

Building a Community Through Music

The partnership between Underwood and Papa Roach illustrates how music can foster community and support. Music has always served as a healing force, and when artists come together to advocate for vital causes, they encourage their listeners to join the conversation.

In many respects, Underwood’s segue into the rock genre has added dimension to her artistic repertoire, while also allowing her to connect with different fan bases. According to Shaddix, “It’s not just about the music. It’s about the movement we can create together.”

Implications for the Future of Mental Health Awareness

The emotional weight that both Underwood and Papa Roach carry with their music forms part of a larger narrative surrounding mental health. Their ongoing efforts illustrate how mainstream artists increasingly speak out on topics previously stigmatized or overlooked.

As mental health continues to dominate headlines and influence public policy, artists will likely play an even bigger role in raising awareness. The success of tracks such as "Leave a Light On" can foster understanding and encourage open dialogues, which many still find challenging.

Conclusion: A New Era of Collaboration

The memorable performance on April 5, 2025, serves as a reminder of the power of collaboration in music. Carrie Underwood and Papa Roach not only entertained thousands but also sparked critical conversations about mental health and community support.

In bringing together disparate genres and audiences, this collaboration sets a new standard for artists to unite for a greater cause. Both Underwood and Papa Roach have shown that sometimes the most resonant moments in music arise when we challenge traditional boundaries, creating impactful dialogue through the universal language of song.

FAQ

1. What is the significance of "Last Resort"?
"Last Resort" is an iconic nu-metal song addressing themes of mental health, despair, and self-harm, which resonates strongly with audiences and has retained its relevance over the years.

2. How did Carrie Underwood and Papa Roach collaborate?
Underwood and Papa Roach collaborated on a song titled "Leave a Light On (Talk Way the Dark)" to raise mental health awareness and support the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention.

3. What was the audience's reaction to Underwood's performance?
The audience was overwhelmingly enthusiastic, singing along to both "Last Resort" and "Leave a Light On," creating a palpable energy in the arena.

4. How do the royalties from their collaboration support mental health?
Both artists have committed the song's royalties to fund initiatives by the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention, aiding efforts to promote mental health awareness.

5. Will there be more collaborations between Underwood and Papa Roach in the future?
While future collaborations have not been announced, both Underwood and Shaddix have expressed a desire to continue their musical kinship, potentially heralding more joint efforts in the future.