Darius Rucker will receive the Veterans Voice Award, presented by USAA’s Honor Through Action, at the 52nd American Music Awards, recognizing his longstanding commitment to veterans and the military community. CBS and Dick Clark Productions announced the honor on May 19, 2026, ahead of the live Memorial Day broadcast from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas. The show will air Monday, May 25, 2026, at 8:00 p.m. ET / 5:00 p.m. PT on CBS and Paramount+, with Queen Latifah hosting.
The award highlights artists who use their platforms to create meaningful and lasting change for those who served. Rucker has built a record of support for military causes through both advocacy and performance. Over the years, he has worked with Military Warriors Support Foundation to help provide more than 20 mortgage-free homes to veterans, performed on multiple overseas USO tours, and appeared at events supporting veterans, including the DoD Warrior Games. He will also perform during the AMAs broadcast alongside his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates.
The Memorial Day special will include additional tributes to veterans, led by USAA as the Official Military Appreciation Partner. Viewers will also see a look at USAA’s Poppy Wall of Honor, returning for its seventh year to the National Mall in Washington, D.C. The installation spans more than 130 feet and features more than 600,000 hand-placed poppies representing every American life lost in the line of duty since World War I. Gold Star families are expected to attend the ceremony, and service members and veterans will be seated in USAA’s Military Appreciation Section.
USAA said the recognition reflects its mission to honor sacrifice and support the military community. Dick Clark Productions said Rucker’s work embodies the spirit of service and that the AMAs are proud to spotlight both veterans and artists who champion them. The Veterans Voice Award was presented last year to Zac Brown.
USAA’s Honor Through Action initiative is a five-year, $500 million commitment focused on careers, financial security and well-being for veterans and their families. The AMAs are partnering with several military and veterans service organizations for the Memorial Day broadcast, including Blue Star Families, Bob Woodruff Foundation, Congressional Medal of Honor Society, Easy Day Foundation, Fisher House Foundation, Gary Sinise Foundation, Invictus Games Foundation, Iraq and Afghanistan Veterans of America, Semper Fi & America’s Fund, Team Rubicon and the USO.
The 52nd American Music Awards will feature performances from Billy Idol, KAROL G, Hootie & the Blowfish, KATSEYE, Keith Urban, Maluma, New Kids on the Block, Riley Green, SOMBR, Teddy Swims, Teyana Taylor, The Pussycat Dolls + Busta Rhymes and Twenty One Pilots, with more to be announced. Tickets are available on AXS.
