In recognition of World Suicide Prevention Day, multi-platinum rock band Papa Roach and 8-time Grammy winner Carrie Underwood have released a powerful, world-exclusive live performance of their emotional collaboration “Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark),” which was recently certified GOLD by the RIAA (500,000 units sold in the US). 

Watch the exclusive live performance on YouTube here.

“Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)”—an urgent and heartfelt anthem—has quickly become a symbol of hope and connection for those struggling in silence, encouraging open conversation and support in moments of crisis. The first-ever live performance of the track together was filmed at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas during the band’s “Rise of the Roach” tour stop in April, following Underwood’s performance of her historic REFLECTION: The Las Vegas Residency at Resorts World Theatre.

Jacoby Shaddix, frontman of Papa Roach, shared:

“We wrote ‘Leave A Light On’ with the hope that it could break down barriers and encourage people to open up. To see it reach Gold and become part of something as important as 988 Day is incredibly humbling.”

Carrie Underwood added:

“This song speaks to the heart of what AFSP and Suicide Prevention is all about—compassion, connection, and reminding people they are not alone. It’s an honor to stand alongside Papa Roach for this cause.” 

“Leave A Light On (Talk Away The Dark)” has resonated across genres and audiences, amplifying the message that talking saves lives and is a crucial call to action for anyone struggling with mental health challenges.

The American Foundation for Suicide Prevention’s mission is to save lives and bring hope to those affected by suicide. AFSP’s theme for this September, National Suicide Prevention Awareness Month, is “Looking Out for Each Other.” The organization brings people together each year through the Out of the Darkness Walks, where people meet and support each other, whether they’ve lost a loved one; struggle with their own mental health; or support someone who does. Through the Out of the Darkness Walks, AFSP fosters a caring community of people who walk together, learn together, understand and encourage each other, and cheer each other on through their healing: because when people come together, love can win. Papa Roach is encouraging their own supportive community of fans to continue leaving a light on for each other by joining one of the hundreds of community Out of the Darkness Walks starting in September and going through the fall. Register here.

Live Virtual Audition Tour ‘Idol Across America’ Begins Tuesday, Aug. 26

Watch a Special Judge Announcement Video Here

Following their celebrated debut as a judge trio last season in television’s most widely recognized music competition series “American Idol,” music superstars Luke Bryan, Lionel Richie and Carrie Underwood will help discover America’s next singing sensation in its ninth season on ABC and Hulu, 24^th overall, when it returns in 2026. “American Idol” has ranked as a top unscripted series during its eight seasons on ABC, ending on a high note with last season’s finale ranking No. 1 on the night, No. 1 for the week in primetime, and earning the best Total Viewer audience in two years. The series continues to dominate on social media as the No. 1 Most Social Reality Series across TV so far in 2025, collecting 1.65-plus billion social video views this year. Season eight winner Jamal Roberts’ first single “Heal” also debuted at No. 1 on the Billboard Hot Gospel chart in May 2025.

Season nine auditions kick off Tuesday, Aug. 26, with the return of “Idol Across America,” the live virtual nationwide search for the next superstar, taking place across all 50 states plus Washington, D.C. Those auditioning will be given the opportunity to showcase their talents face-to-face with an “American Idol” producer, from anywhere in America, across any official audition date for a chance to proceed to the judge auditions. Contenders will also be allowed to audition during open call dates, and auditions will be open worldwide to all those eligible.

“Idol Across America” auditions will be held as follows (subject to change):

• “First 900” VIP Event (Aug. 26)
• Alabama, Arkansas, Louisiana, Mississippi (Aug. 27)
• Kansas, Nebraska, North Dakota, Oklahoma, South Dakota, Texas (Aug. 28)
• Georgia, North Carolina, South Carolina (Sept. 2)
• Nationwide open call (Sept. 3)
• Connecticut, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania (Sept. 4)
• Indiana, Kentucky, Maine, New Hampshire, Tennessee (Sept. 8)
• Alaska, California, Hawaii, Nevada, Washington (Sept. 9)
• Florida, Michigan, Virginia, West Virginia (Sept. 11)
• East Coast open call (Sept. 12)
• The South open call (Sept. 15)
• Illinois, Iowa, Minnesota, Missouri, Wisconsin (Sept. 16)
• West and Midwest open call (Sept. 18)
• Delaware, Maryland, Massachusetts, Ohio, Rhode Island, Vermont, Washington, D.C. (Sept. 19)
• Arizona, Colorado, Idaho, Montana, New Mexico, Oregon, Utah, Wyoming (Sept. 22)
• Nationwide open call (Sept. 24)
  

For information on how to sign up for “Idol Across America” and to register to virtually audition in front of an “American Idol” producer, please visit americanidol.com/auditions. Contenders may audition on any “Idol Across America” date, regardless of location. For full eligibility requirements, details on specific dates, submission forms, and terms and conditions, please visit the website.

“American Idol” is produced by Fremantle and 19 Entertainment, a part of Sony Pictures Television. Executive producers include Megan Wolflick, also serving as showrunner with Eli Holzman and Aaron Saidman serving as executive producers for 19 Entertainment. Fremantle distributes the series worldwide.

Follow “American Idol” (#TheNextIdol) on Facebook, Instagram, X, YouTube, Threads, and TikTok.

*COPYRIGHT ©2025 Disney Enterprises, Inc. All photography is copyrighted material and is for editorial use only. Images are not to be archived, altered, duplicated, resold, retransmitted or used for any other purposes without written permission of ABC. Images are distributed to the press in order to publicize current programming. Any other usage must be licensed.

Highlights from New Show Open to Premiere During Pro Football Hall of Fame Game, This Thurs., July 31 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC and Peacock

New Sunday Night Football Show Open Debuts on Sun., Sept. 7 Ahead of Ravens-Bills Playoff Rematch in SNF Opener on NBC and Peacock

Multi-platinum, 8-time GRAMMY® Award winner Carrie Underwood will star in the show open for NBC’s Sunday Night Football for the 13^th consecutive season beginning September 7 on NBC and Peacock.

Underwood performed the new show open for primetime’s No. 1 show at The Resorts World Theatre in Las Vegas, home of her historic three-plus year residency, REFLECTION, which played to packed houses through April 2025, and is the longest-running Las Vegas residency of any solo female country artist. 

“For the 20th season of SNF, we wanted to set the tone for the night by reimagining the anthem sound in a way that plays to Carrie’s powerhouse vocals, while visually creating a seamless blend of stylized shots and behind-the-scenes moments evoking the national roadshow that is Sunday Night Football, week after week in the fall,” said Tripp Dixon, creative director of the SNF show open for each of the past 13 years.

“We had a blast shooting the new opening at The Resorts World Theatre again,” said Underwood. “As always, Tripp and the creative team continue to raise the bar, bringing the high energy and stunning visuals that the Sunday Night Football audience has come to expect year after year. I can’t wait for the world to see it!”

The show open for Sunday Night Football, primetime television’s No. 1 program for an unprecedented 14 consecutive years, will debut on Sunday, Sept. 7 leading into the season debut of SNF featuring the past two NFL MVPs as Lamar Jackson (’23 MVP) and the AFC North champion Baltimore Ravens visit Josh Allen (’24 MVP) and the AFC East champion Buffalo Bills in a rematch of last season’s AFC Divisional Playoff.

NBC’S SUNDAY NIGHT FOOTBALL IS PRIMETIME TELEVISION’S NO. 1 SHOW FOR RECORD 14 CONSECUTIVE YEARS: NBC’s Sunday Night Football finished the 2024-25 TV season as primetime’s #1 TV show in all key metrics for an unprecedented 14th consecutive year – adding to its record for the most consecutive years atop the charts (since 1950), based on official live plus same day data provided by Nielsen. Sunday Night Football also ranked as the No. 1 primetime show in every major demographic. For more information, click here.

On Tuesday, June 3, Carrie Underwood celebrated 20 years of her 9x-Platinum debut album and the best-selling debut country album of all time, “Some Hearts,” and the 2-year anniversary of her year-round SiriusXM channel, CARRIE’S COUNTRY, with a special live full-band performance. “The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party” also included the debut of a one-of-a-kind rhinestone microphone stand as part of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary and Carrie’s exclusive “20 Years In 20 Questions” Q&A hosted by Cody Alan, live from the Grand Ole Opry House.

Listen to the premiere of the “The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party” on CARRIE’S COUNTRY (Ch. 60) on car radios and the SiriusXM app and web player on Friday, June 6, at 2pm ET. The exclusive special is available anytime on the SiriusXM app and will rebroadcast on the channel throughout the week.

Special event from The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party to air on SiriusXM’s CARRIE’S COUNTRY today

On Tuesday, June 3, Carrie Underwood celebrated 20 years of her 9x-Platinum debut album and the best-selling debut country album of all time, Some Hearts, and the 2-year anniversary of her year-round SiriusXM channel CARRIE’S COUNTRY, with a special live full-band performance debuting a one-of-a-kind rhinestone microphone stand as part of the Opry’s 100th anniversary, and interview with SiriusXM host Cody Alan, live from her Official Fan Club Party at the Grand Ole Opry House.

The “20 Years In 20 Questions” Q&A featured Carrie sharing many memories from over the years, as well as speaking about how she and her son love listening to Linkin Park. Additionally, Carrie talked about being a judge on American Idol, how being a past contestant affected her mentoring of this year’s contestants, and the advice she gave them.

The Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party will premiere on SiriusXM’s CARRIE’S COUNTRY on Friday, June 6 at 2:00 pm ET and will be available on the SiriusXM app.

Fan club members flocked to Nashville from around the world, as far as Australia, Switzerland, the UK, and Canada, and from over 40 U.S. states. They enjoyed exclusive merch, food trucks, a raffle, and a variety of photo opportunities including sitting on the Cadillac throne used in the performance of “Two Black Cadillacs” from Underwood’s recently wrapped Las Vegas residency REFLECTION, and getting an up close view to the pink champagne glass used in her spectacular headline performance at Dick Clark’s New Year’s Rockin’ Eve with Ryan Seacrest this past New Year’s Eve.

The Some Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition vinyl will be out November 14 and is available for pre-order now which includes a new alternate cover and packaging, an exclusive photo book, and 4 tracks from a live session at Blackbird Studios in Nashville.

Some Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition is Available for Pre-Order Now 

In celebration of the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking debut album, 8-time Grammy Award winner Carrie Underwood is releasing a new special edition vinyl, Some Hearts 20th Anniversary Edition, via Legacy Recordings, the catalog division of Sony Music. This special edition is available for pre-order now exclusively through Target (link HERE), and will be released on Friday, November 14, just ahead of the album’s anniversary date (November 15, 2005). 

Originally released in 2005, the 9x certified platinum album Some Hearts, catapulted Carrie Underwood to stardom following her historic win on Season 4 of “American Idol.” The album quickly became the best-selling debut country album of all time, featuring timeless #1 hits such as “Jesus, Take the Wheel,” “Before He Cheats,” and “Wasted,” and garnering numerous awards and honors throughout the years. 

To commemorate this milestone, the double 20th Anniversary Edition vinyl will have a new alternate cover image and packaging, and an exclusive photo booklet. The release will also include four tracks from Carrie’s live session at Blackbird Studios in Nashville, TN, recorded on October 26, 2005, and available on vinyl for the first time ever.  

This year, Underwood commemorated the 20^th anniversary of winning “American Idol” by becoming the popular singing competition’s first alum to join the judging panel.  The hit ABC series had its season finale on May 18 and streams on Hulu.   

Track List: 

Side A 

1. Wasted 
2. Don’t Forget to Remember Me 
3. Some Hearts 
4. Jesus, Take The Wheel 
5. The Night Before (Life Goes On) 

Side B 

1. Lessons Learned 
2. Before He Cheats 
3. Starts With Goodbye 
4. I Just Can’t Live a Lie 
5. We’re Young and Beautiful 

Side C 

1. That’s Where It Is 
2. Whenever You Remember 
3. I Ain’t In Checotah Anymore 
4. Inside Your Heaven 

Side D 

1. Wasted (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 
2. Some Hearts (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 
3. Jesus, Take The Wheel (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 
4. Inside Your Heaven (Live at Blackbird Studios, Nashville, TN – October 26, 2005) 

• Attendees must have their ticket (printed or digitally saved on their phone) AND a government issued ID in order to gain access to the Fan Club Party.
• As it is the minimum age to be a Fan Club member, you must be 13 years old to attend this event.
• For members chosen who are between 13 and 17 years old, ONE parent or legal guardian is required to accompany that chosen member. If you are a confirmed winner and under 18, please fill out this form with your chaperone’s information.
• For members who have questions about ADA accommodations at this event, or if you have a disability and require an attendant to attend with you, reach out to carrieunderwoodsupport@sparkart.com by May 23, 2025.
• You must bring a picture ID with you in order to gain access to the party, unless you are a child who does not have a picture ID.
• Tickets are non-transferable. Your ID must match the name on your ticket.
• Seating at the Fan Club event is general admission on a first come, first served basis.

DIRECTIONS

The Grand Ole Opry House and Opry Entertainment Complex are located just off Briley Parkway (TN 155) at: 2804 Opryland Drive, Nashville, TN 37214.

For detailed driving directions from your point of departure, we suggest visiting the mapping website / app of your choice and inputting the physical address: One Opry Mills Drive, Nashville, TN 37214 as the destination address.

PARKING

The Opry House shares parking with Opry Mills Mall and can be accessed via Exit 11 or 12 off Briley Parkway (TN 155)

PROHIBITED ITEMS

The Opry House is committed to fostering an environment where artists, guests, and employees feel safe and secure. Below is the list of prohibited items.

• Guns and Other Weapons (with or without a permit)
• Knives
• Pepper Spray/Mace
• Oversized Bags
• Outside Food and Beverage
• Cans
• Bottles
• Alcohol and Drugs (except those prescribed to the individual)
• Laser Pens
• Markers
• Spray Paint
• Masks (and Face Paint)
• Laptops and Tablets
• Musical Instruments
• Noise Making Devices
• Professional Audio and Video Recording Equipment
• Monopods, Tripods
• Selfie Sticks and Cameras with Telephoto or Zoom Lenses
• Segways
• Smoking – Tennessee state law prohibits smoking at the Grand Ole Opry House and federal law prohibits ignition of an open flame in a National Historic Landmark.

If you have any questions, please contact carrieunderwoodsupport@sparkart.com.

Join Carrie at the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday, June 3rd for the Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party!

To join us, please follow the RSVP instructions below. We are so excited for you to see what Carrie has planned this year—more details to come! 

Enter now for a chance to attend by following the steps below.

1. Log in to CarrieUnderwood.fm
2. Go to the Fan Club Party event page
3. Click the “RSVP Now” button under RSVP to enter to win an invitation to the Fan Club Party

The last day to enter is Monday, May 5th. Invites will be sent to the winners via email on or around Wednesday, May 7th. Please note that entering for a chance to attend the Fan Club Party does NOT guarantee you entry to the party.

Keep an eye on your inbox for more information to come!