Kelly Clarkson Surprises Darius Rucker With CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award

Kelly Clarkson and Darius Rucker had a special moment at The Kelly Clarkson Show. On Monday (October 23), Rucker dropped by the talk show to discuss his new album, Carolyn’s Boy, and his charity work. And in the middle of their conversation, Clarkson revealed that Rucker was chosen to receive the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award.

A Big Surprise For Country Singer Darius Rucker

Darius Rucker talked through stories from his past years, especially how his late mother greatly influenced his commitment to giving back while sitting side by side with Kelly Clarkson. Rucker recalled growing up in a “really poor neighborhood” with not much and how his mother has instilled important lessons in him, and that is “you help people – not people that are less fortunate; you help people that need help.”

Clarkson praised Rucker’s mom for her down-to-earth parenting, revealing the surprise for the “It Won’t Be Like This For Long” singer. She told the audience that Rucker was completely unaware that he would receive the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award for his long-standing charitable work.

When Rucker heard the news and received the humanitarian award, you could really tell from his facial expression how surprised he was. With raised eyebrows, he exclaimed, “Wow, that’s incredible,” and he got up to hug Clarkson.

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The CMA Foundation Humanitarian Award is actually given to someone who has shown themselves to be a true humanitarian. This recognition is based on their community leadership, financial contributions, personal volunteering, and advocacy efforts. 

The person honored has demonstrated a strong dedication to causes that matter to the Country Music Association and, of course, the entire country music community.

Amazingly, the South Carolina native has upheld his mother’s wisdom and advice in both his personal life and career. To this day, Rucker continues to dedicate his time to helping those in need through various charitable activities. It includes pledging his support to others by raising funds to donate to St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. 

Rucker also plays a role as a co-chair in a fundraising campaign that raised $150 million for the construction of the new MUSC Shawn Jenkins Children’s Hospital in his hometown of Charleston, South Carolina. This project is directly influenced by his mom, who worked as a nurse at MUSC.

The announcement of Rucker receiving the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award comes shortly before the 57th Annual CMA Awards, which is scheduled to broadcast live from Nashville on Wednesday, November 8 at 8/7c on ABC. 

Congratulations to Darius Rucker for receiving the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year Award! Your dedication to making a positive impact on your community and beyond is truly inspiring.

Watch the video below as Kelly Clarkson reveals that the (CMA) is honoring Darius Rucker as Humanitarian of the Year for his many charitable efforts over the years.