Luke Combs and Eric Church made an impression amid the aftermath of Hurricane Helene — raising over $24 million for relief efforts with their Concert for Carolina — and the country superstars are finally getting the recognition they deserve at this year’s Country Radio Seminar (CRS).
Yesterday (Jan. 22), it was announced by Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) that Church and Combs will receive the Artist Humanitarian Award at this year’s CRS — with the award being presented on Feb. 21 — celebrating all that they achieved with their Concert for Carolina.
Established in 1990, the Artist Humanitarian Award “recognizes country artists whose philanthropic efforts have significantly improved the effectiveness and impact of the causes they support.” Past recipients include Carrie Underwood, Jason Aldean, Kenny Chesney, and more.
To accompany the announcement, CRB Awards Committee Chair Beverlee Brannigan gushed:
“Eric Church and Luke Combs’ love for their home state has been nothing short of inspiring. Their dedication to helping North Carolina recover after Hurricane Helene and their ongoing efforts show just how much they care. This award is a heartfelt recognition of their commitment, hard work, and genuine compassion for the people of North Carolina. Eric and Luke, we’re proud to honor you.”
For those who are unfamiliar, “CRS is an annual event that brings together professionals from across the country music and radio industries to share ideas, collaborate, and celebrate achievements,” hosted at the Omni Nashville Hotel from Feb. 19 to Feb. 21 this year.
“Featuring panels, presentations, and special events designed to educate and inspire,” it is sure to be an event to remember, and Combs and Church receiving the Artist Humanitarian Award is just the icing on the cake.
Wanting give back to the region that raised them, Combs and Church headlined Concert for Carolina on Oct. 26, which took place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina. Aside from the two CMA Award-winners, Billy Strings, James Taylor, Wesko and more musical maestros took the stage, while Caleb Pressley and Marty Smith hosted the event.
Coming together in just 28 days and drawing a crowd of 82,000 fans, the proceeds from Concert for Carolina went straight to hurricane relief efforts in the Carolina region, coming out with a whopping $24 million and counting. Some of charities that this show supported include (but are not limited to) Chief Cares — Church’s official foundation — Manna Foodbank, Second Harvest Food Bank and Samaritan’s Purse.
Since Concert for Carolina concluded, though, Combs and Church have not stopped giving back.
Combs is working directly with Carolina-based charities to ensure that the funds are distributed where they are needed most, while Church — through Chief Cares — announced plans to build 100 homes for hurricane victims, “providing critical shelter to families affected by the devastating storms while also committing to helping address longer-term needs like creating jobs, rebuilding schools and supporting local businesses.
To top things off, all of the publishing royalties from Chruch’s latest release, “Darkest Hour,” will benefit people of North Carolina (through Chief Cares, of course).