Dan + Shay's Emotional Comeback: A Tribute to Mental Health Awareness at the ACM Awards
Dan + Shay, the country-pop duo, made a comeback after a hiatus with their new single "Say So" in April 2026. They performed the song live at the 61st annual Academy of Country Music Awards in Las Vegas. This marked their seventh appearance at the ACM Awards, with their debut in 2015. The duo, consisting of Dan Smyers and Shay Mooney, opened last year's ceremony with their hit "Tequila" and received their fourth Duo of the Year nomination this year, although they lost to Brooks & Dunn.
The emotional performance of "Say So" at the ACM Awards was introduced by Lauren Alaina and dedicated to their mentor Ben Vaughn, who passed away in 2025. The song addresses mental health awareness, a topic close to their hearts. Despite initial concerns about the song's heavy subject matter, Dan + Shay felt it was important to share the message with their audience. The performance ended with a tribute to Vaughn on screen, honoring his memory.
Dan + Shay's return to the spotlight with "Say So" showcases their versatility as artists and their willingness to address important issues through their music. The duo's commitment to raising awareness about mental health resonates with fans and demonstrates their growth as musicians. Stay tuned for more heartfelt music from Dan + Shay in their upcoming seventh studio album, Young. #ACMawards.