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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 Rucker’s 16th annual “Darius and Friends” concert benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium. iHeartRadio’s Wayne D captured the moment Rucker introduced Wallen to the stage. Rucker shared a clip of Wallen’s rendition of “More Than My Hometown” 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.
“Darius and Friends” has raised more than $4.3 million to date, according to a press release announcing the 16th annual show. This year’s 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 “Beers and Sunshine,” “Wagon Wheel” and more). Rucker, the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year, started his annual “Darius and Friends” event after touring the hospital nearly 20 years ago. He’s 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: