Luke Combs & Eric Church Receive Humanitarian Award

Luke Combs and Eric Church are this year’s co-recipients of the Artist Humanitarian Award, Country Radio Broadcasters (CRB) has announced. The pair will be presented with the honour on Friday, 21 February, during the annual Country Radio Seminar (CRS) in Nashville.

Established in 1990, the CRB Artist Humanitarian Award recognises country artists whose philanthropic efforts significantly improve lives and assist causes. Past recipients include Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Kane Brown, Kenny Chesney, and Jason Aldean, among others.

Combs and Church are receiving the honour after raising $24 million in under a month to help residents in North Carolina recover after the devastation of Hurricane Helene. The duo put on a massive concert in October, drawing a record-breaking 82,000 fans to Charlotte. Even more remarkable was the artists’ efforts in making the event happen in just 28 days.

In addition to those efforts, Eric Church, through his nonprofit organisation, Chief Cares, has announced plans to build 100 homes for hurricane victims.

The plan will begin in Avery County and provide shelter to families. Chief Cares also aims to address longer-term needs such as creating jobs, rebuilding schools, and supporting local businesses. Going the extra mile, all publishing royalties from Church’s Darkest Hour will directly benefit the people of North Carolina.

Luke Combs is also making strides in North Carolina, working with local relief efforts to ensure funds go where they’re most needed. Combs and his team are supporting multiple organisations, including Samaritan’s Purse, Manna Food Bank, and Second Harvest Food Bank of Northwest North Carolina.

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In a statement, CRB Awards Committee Chair Beverlee Brannigan said Combs’ and Church’s love for their home state of North Carolina has been “nothing short of inspiring.”

Brannigan continued, “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 honour you.”

Today’s news arrives as Luke Combs begins his Australian tour tomorrow (24 January). He’s making history as the first country artist to headline stadiums in Australia. For this run, Combs will be joined by special guests Jordan Davis, Mitchell Tenpenny, and Lane Pittman.