After a tough year, who doesn’t want more happiness in their lives? Dan + Shay provided just that when they performed their sweet song “Glad You Exist” in front of a live audience at the 2021 iHeartRadio Music Awards on Thursday (May 27).
After fellow country artist Gabby Barrett introduced the duo, they took the soft, pastel-toned stage for their performance. Though the screens behind the two depicted blue skies above desert sand while tufts of dry foliage dotted the stage, two big trees with bright pink cherry blossoms added an air of comfort and optimism as Dan + Shay delivered a smooth and harmonious set while photos of smiling people appeared behind them..
In a February Instagram post, the country artists explained that “Glad You Exist” is more than just a song. “it’s a message of gratitude and hope. a message to everyone in our lives … to remind them all how grateful we are to be on the planet at the same time,” Dan + Shay wrote. “this song has taken on new meaning not being able to see our loved ones in person, but throughout history, music has always had a special way of bringing people together, even when we are furthest apart.”
“Glad You Exist” reached No. 10 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs chart in May, and peaked at No. 63 on the Hot 100.
Dan + Shay also pulled out a big win during the show, taking home the trophy for best duo/group of the year over global superstars BTS. Also nominated in the category were Jonas Brothers, Maroon 5, and Twenty One Pilots.
The ceremony, hosted by Usher, streamed live from the Dolby Theatre in Los Angeles.
