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Jason Aldean Opens ‘SNL’ With Message About The Las Vegas Shooting

(Photo credit: screenshot/YouTube Saturday Night Live)

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“Saturday Night Live” broke its usual format this week by starting the show with a performance from country music star Jason Aldean, who was on stage when the shooting began in Las Vegas last week.

The weekly comedy show typically begins with a cold open sketch, but started this week with a message from one of the singer’s who performed at the Route 91 Harvest Festival where the worst shooting in United States history took place.

“This week we witnessed one of the worst tragedies in American history. Like everyone I’m struggling to understand what happened that night and how to pick up the pieces and start to heal,” Aldean said at the start of the show.

“So many people are hurting,” he continued. “We hurt for you and we hurt with you, but you can be sure we’re going walk through these tough times together every step of the way.”

After his message Aldean played Tom Petty’s “I Won’t Back Down,” which promotes its own message of perseverance. It was the perfect song choice given the events of the week with the shooting as well as the passing of the rock and roll legend.

WATCH: BODYCAM FOOTAGE OF FIRST RESPONDERS ARRIVING AT THE SCENE