Photo: Getty Images
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 Ruckerās 16th annual āDarius and Friendsā concert benefiting St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, which took place at the historic Ryman Auditorium. iHeartRadioās Wayne D captured the moment Rucker introduced Wallen to the stage. Rucker shared a clip of Wallenās rendition of āMore Than My Hometownā 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.
āDarius and Friendsā has raised more than $4.3 million to date, according to a press release announcing the 16th annual show. This yearās 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 āBeers and Sunshine,ā āWagon Wheelā and more). Rucker, the 2023 CMA Humanitarian of the Year, started his annual āDarius and Friendsā event after touring the hospital nearly 20 years ago. Heās 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: