Darius Rucker to receive Veterans Voice Award

Darius Rucker will receive the Veterans Voice Award at the 52nd American Music Awards on Memorial Day, according to a May 19 announcement from CBS, Dick Clark Productions and the American Music Awards. The honor is presented by USAA’s Honor Through Action program and recognizes artists who use their platform to support veterans and military families. The show is scheduled to air live on Monday, May 25, from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas on CBS and Paramount+. Queen Latifah is set to host. ### What exactly is the award Rucker is getting? The American Music Awards said the Veterans Voice Award is presented by USAA’s Honor Through Action and is tied to the show’s Memorial Day broadcast. Organizers said the award recognizes artists whose work has made a lasting impact for people who served in the military and for their families. (theamas.com) USAA said the recognition is part of Honor Through Action, which it describes as a five-year, $500 million commitment focused on careers, financial security and well-being for veterans and their families. Chris Curtin, USAA’s chief brand and communications officer, said in the announcement that Rucker had stood beside the military community “not just in words but through action.” (theamas.com) ### Why did organizers pick Darius Rucker? CBS and Dick Clark Productions said Rucker was selected for his longtime support of military organizations and veterans causes. Coverage based on the announcement said that work included performing on USO tours overseas and appearing at events such as the Department of Defense Warrior Games. (paramountpressexpress.com) ABC Audio affiliate reports also said Rucker helped provide more than 20 mortgage-free homes to veterans through the Military Warriors Support Foundation. The AMAs announcement described the award as recognition of his “longtime commitment to those who served.” ### What else is Rucker doing at the AMAs? The May 19 announcement said Rucker is also set to perform during the broadcast with Hootie & the Blowfish. (newschannel5.com) The 52nd AMAs are being staged as a Memorial Day special with in-show moments honoring veterans during Military Appreciation Month, led by USAA as the show’s official military appreciation partner. (bugcountry.com) ABC Audio affiliate coverage said Keith Urban and Riley Green are also among the performers tied to the telecast. The show will air live coast-to-coast at 8 p.m. Eastern and 5 p.m. Pacific. ### How does this fit into the AMAs broadcast? The American Music Awards said the 2026 ceremony is its 52nd edition and will be held on Memorial Day, Monday, May 25. (theamas.com) The event is scheduled for the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas and will be carried on CBS and Paramount+. The announcement said Queen Latifah will host the broadcast. (southernillinoisnow.com) Organizers framed the veterans tribute segments as part of the show’s Memorial Day programming, with USAA leading those moments on air. ### Who received the honor before Rucker? ABC Audio affiliate coverage said Zac Brown received the Veterans Voice honor in 2025. (theamas.com) That places Rucker as the next recipient in what has become a recurring AMAs recognition tied to Memorial Day programming. Monday, May 25, is the next milestone for the story. (theamas.com) Rucker is scheduled to receive the Veterans Voice Award and perform with Hootie & the Blowfish during the live American Music Awards broadcast from Las Vegas on CBS and Paramount+. (southernillinoisnow.com)