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Morgan Wallen made a surprise appearance on a legendary stage in Nashville, Tennessee.
The reigning Country Music Association Entertainer of the Year performed at Darius Ruckerâs 16th annual âDarius and Friendsâ concert benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium. iHeartRadioâs Wayne D captured the moment Rucker introduced Wallen to the stage. Rucker shared a clip of Wallenâs rendition of âMore Than My Hometownâ on his Instagram story after the star-studded benefit show on Monday evening (June 2). The event unofficially kicks off CMA Fest week in Music City.
âDarius and Friendsâ has raised more than $4.3 million to date, according to a press release announcing the 16th annual show. This yearâs event also included a surprise appearance by country superstar Luke Bryan, plus performances by Austin Williams, Kashus Culpepper, Lanie Gardner, Tyler Braden and Rucker himself (including âBeers and Sunshine,â âWagon Wheelâ and more). Rucker, the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year, started his annual âDarius and Friendsâ event after touring the hospital nearly 20 years ago. Heâs taken the historic Nashville stage with Lauren Alaina, Brooks & Dunn, Luke Combs, Sheryl Crow, Dan + Shay, Jelly Roll, Charles Kelley of Lady A, Megan Moroney and many other artists over the years. Watch Wallen arrive on stage here: