The 43rd Country Music Awards brought a surprise for Darius Rucker too. 43-year-old musician Darius Rucker won the Best New Artist of the Year Award. The former lead singer started his speech in a unique way; he sung “What a night!” live to thank the fans and audiences.

An American musician that got lot of recognition for his performance with “Hootie and the Blowfish” band, proved the saying “it’s never too late,” very true. Though he won the ‘Best New Artist of the Year Award’ but Darius Rucker is already 43-year-old! With this, Darius became the first black American to achieve such honor. Besides after Charlie Pride, Darius is the only second African-American that could win an individual major award of such kind.

Finally his talent has been recognized at the biggest event and the biggest forum on Wednesday night at the gracious occasion of 43rd Annual Country Music Awards, Nashville on November 11, 2009. The announcement surprised the audience as well as musician himself and Darius really seemed to enjoy the most precious moment of his life.

The former singer then acknowledged the jury and the fans in a unique way; he started his thanksgiving remarks by singing a past hit “What a night!” and later he expressed his gratefulness for the fans and all the listeners. He also delivered special remarks to thank the country radio for creating an opportunity for him. Both his speech and overall reaction reflected the hidden surprise as if the rhythmic guitarist never expected even his name be called onstage.

It must have sent a message for the Capitol Records’ head that had once ‘warned’ Darius that he’ll be finished if he left the band. In the end, he was grateful to his family that comprises of a wife and three lovely kids. His achievement should have also shut the critics’ mouths.

Darius Rucker