2024 CMAs: Eric Church talks with Katie Neal

After raising nearly $25 million for Hurricane Helene relief efforts in Western North Carolina with Concert for Carolina featuring Luke Combs, James Taylor, Billy Strings and himself, Eric Church says the fight following such devastation in his home state is far from over. “I realized pretty quick with the funds that we had raised that the biggest problem that we have in this country [is] — we do a pretty good job with the immediate 911 need of food and water and diapers — what we don’t do as well is keeping people in the community from a housing perspective,” he shared ahead of performing at the 58th Annual CMA Awards. “We committed to putting 100 homes in Avery county, which is one of the counties hardest hit. That’s been the big focal point.” On top of all the efforts he’s shown thus far towards relief, Church has also committed to giving to back “forever” by handing his song, “Darkest Hour,” to the state of North Carolina. This means 100% of the proceeds go to the state and towards those in need. “‘Darkest Hour’ has helped raise the awareness and keep the attention going,” Church said of the song he released following the hurricane which hit in September 2024. “We tend to move on as a society and those people are going to need help for a long time,” he continued. “It’s more of an anthem and part of the reason I’m doing it on the CMAs is to keep the focal point on those people [that] still need help… There’s still so much need there.” With a lot of work still left to do, Church continues to be inspired by the impact already made and the strong community within his home state which was ever-present during Concert for Carolina. “That was just a special night to see all the people — especially being in Charlotte and being in my home state,” Church said reflecting on the night. “I live half my year in Western North Carolina and those mountains mean so much to me creatively, but also as a person. To be there and see that togetherness that happened — to have James Taylor and Luke [Combs] and myself and Billy Strings — it was a special moment.” Hear more about Church’s efforts towards relief by checking out his entire conversation with Katie Neal above and be sure to catch his performance Wednesday night on the 58th Annual CMA Awards. The 58th Annual CMA Awards, hosted by Lainey Wilson, Luke Bryan and Peyton Manning, will broadcast live from Nashville's Bridgestone Arena on Wednesday, November 20 at 8pm ET/7pm CT on ABC and stream next day on Hulu. Words by Monica Rivera, Interview by Katie Neal Photo: Robby Klein