On Monday, May 25, Darius Rucker received the Veterans Voice Award at the 2026 American Music Awards.
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
NEED TO KNOW
- Darius Rucker was honored with the Veterans Voice Award at the 2026 American Music Awards
- “We should be striving to become a community and become a country that we deserve what they sacrificed,” the singer-songwriter said in his speech
- The 2026 AMAs, hosted by Queen Latifah, will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via CBS and Paramount+ on Monday, May 25
Darius Rucker received a special honor at the 52nd American Music Awards.
On Monday, May 25, the singer-songwriter took home the Veterans Voice Award, presented by USAA's Honor Through Action at the music event in Las Vegas, which recognizes artists who use their platforms to make meaningful, lasting change in the lives of those who served.
Rucker, 60, was honored for his commitment to organizations like the Military Warriors Support Foundation, with which he helped provide more than 20 mortgage-free homes to veterans. The award also recognizes the three-time Grammy winner for his time performing on multiple overseas USO tours and at events like the DoD Warrior Games, which support veterans.
"It's called the Veterans Voice Award, and I take that to heart big time because all of us can use our voice to support these brave men and women who are serving our country," Rucker said in his acceptance speech. "We've got to make sure that they feel appreciated, not just on big days like Memorial Day, but every day."
Tonight, we proudly recognize @dariusrucker with the Veterans Voice Award presented by @USAA's Honor Through Action 👏
We are honored to pay tribute to the heroes whose sacrifice and service continue to inspire us at the #AMAs. pic.twitter.com/BVTWMPmhfy
— American Music Awards (@AMAs) May 26, 2026
The musician — who was given his award by Russell Dickerson and veteran Jake Wood — said he's had the chance to spend time with service members stationed all over the world, and they've given him a new perspective on life.
"You learn real quick what resilience looks like when you're sitting and talking to the military families," he said. "Because the sacrifice isn't just the person in uniform, it's their spouse. It's their kids. It's their parents, it's their cousin, it's their brother, it's their sister, it's their friends."
Credit: Ethan Miller/Getty
He concluded his message by recounting a message he'd once heard from a veteran.
"He said to me that when somebody says to him, 'Thank you for your service,' he says, 'Thank you for living a life worth serving,'" said Rucker. "And that's what we all should be doing right now. We should be striving to become a community and become a country that we deserve what they sacrificed."
The "Wagon Wheel" singer also performed "Hold My Hand" and "Only Wanna Be with You" earlier in the broadcast with his Hootie & the Blowfish bandmates.
In a press release about the Veterans Voice Award ahead of the ceremony, the Hootie & the Blowfish frontman was praised as someone who has "consistently championed those who serve through his long-time support of military organizations and through his music."
"Behind every name we honor on Memorial Day is a family, a story and a sacrifice that should never be forgotten,” said Chris Curtin, chief marketing officer of USAA in a statement. “Darius Rucker has long stood beside the military community, not just in words but through action, and this recognition reflects the same spirit of remembrance, service and support that defines our mission."
Check out all of PEOPLE’s AMAs coverage here.
In a separate statement, Mike Chuthakeio, chief commercial officer of Dick Clark Productions, said, "The American Music Awards is proud to celebrate both the heroes who have served our nation and the artists who champion their cause — working together with USAA to help veterans build strong careers, secure their financial futures, and care for their well-being. Lending his voice year after year to honor service men and women, Darius embodies the spirit of service and we are honored to spotlight his remarkable commitment in partnership with USAA."
Per a release, USAA's Honor Through Action initiative is "a five-year, $500 million commitment to the military community, focused on meaningful careers, financial security, and well-being for veterans and their families."
Last year, Zac Brown received the inaugural Veterans Voice Award presented by Easy Day Foundation.
At this year's AMAs, Billy Idol will receive the Lifetime Achievement Award, while Karol G received the International Artist Award of Excellence and performed.
Other artists set to play at the annual awards ceremony include Keith Urban, Riley Green, Sombr, KATSEYE, Maluma, Teddy Swims and Twenty One Pilots.
The 2026 AMAs, hosted by Queen Latifah, will air live from the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas via CBS and Paramount+ at 8 p.m. ET on Monday, May 25.
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