CHARLOTTE, N.C. – Luke Combs and Eric Church led the star-studded Concert for Carolina on Saturday, which raised over $24.5 million for relief efforts in the Carolina region following the devastation of Hurricane Helene.
Attended by over 82,000 concert-goers, the event featured performances by James Taylor, Keith Urban, Sheryl Crow, Billy Strings, Bailey Zimmerman, Scotty McCreery, Chase Rice, The Avett Brothers and Parmalee as well as surprise appearances by Nicole Kidman and Randy Travis.
Hosted by ESPN’s Marty Smith and Barstool Sports’ Caleb Pressley, the benefit show – organized by Combs and Church in less than a month – took place at Bank of America Stadium in Charlotte, North Carolina.
Eric Church performed numerous times throughout the night, and also made a major announcement in a video that was played on the stadium’s screen. The country star, who hails from Granite Falls, N.C., revealed that Chief Cares has a plan to build 100 houses for North Carolinians whose homes have been devastated by the hurricane.
“I come from the mountains of North Carolina,” Church said in the video message. “It’s what made me. It’s my home. I wouldn’t be who I am today if it weren’t for the people there and the influence they had on me. I wouldn’t make the music that I make if it weren’t for the people there and the influence they had on me.”
He continued, “When Hurricane Helene happened, it devastated those communities. These are hard-working, poor communities that rely on each other. And any time a community needs help, it’s always the community next door that comes running in to help. And there are no communities next door. They’ve all been devastated.”
“So we made it our mission at Chief Cares that we’re going to be the community next door,” Church explained. “We’ve come up with a plan called Blueprint for the Blue Ridge. We’re going to put 100 families in homes that have lost their homes in Avery County and the surrounding areas — one of the worst hit areas. In an area that I spent half of my years, an area I’ve had a lot of inspiration and gained a lot of inspiration, in an area I’ve made five records in. And we’re going to go and keep those people in their community, put a roof over their heads, let them interact with their community, let them be a part of their community, and let them help rebuild the community.”
During the concert, Church introduced Keith Urban, noting that the Australian singer was “one of the guys that I’ve always been able to call and count on”
“Even before I can ask the question, he just says, ‘Yes, and whose car are we taking?’” Church said. “He’s one of my favorite musicians. We did a lot of stuff together. You guys are in for a treat.”
After Urban performed his hits “Blue Ain’t Your Favorite Color” and “Wasted Time,” he announced that he wanted to bring “somebody” up to the stage to help him reintroduce Church.
“My wife is over here tonight. Come on, baby girl.” he said as the audience erupted into cheers. “We’re here for everybody, baby.”
The crowd continued cheering as Urban’s wife Nicole Kidman took the stage. The A-list actress, who was clad in a black velvet and leather jacket with dark blue jeans, smiled as she took the microphone from her husband.
