Darius Rucker and Adele, ‘Need You Now’ (Lady Antebellum Cover)

Darius Rucker helped Adele perform a cover version of Lady Antebellum's 'Need You Now' on CMT's 'Artists of the Year' special. Their performance of the song also appears on the deluxe edition of Adele's chart-topping new album, '21.'

The event, as you can probably guess by the name, honors the biggest country music stars of the past year. The former Hootie and the Blowfish leader and the English singer-songwriter performed a reverent, reserved performance of the big hit while bathed in blue lights as Lady Antebellum themselves watch on, clearly delighted to watch such famous peers sing in their honor.

For Adele -- who admits that her latest release was heavily influenced by country music -- the appearance seems like a case of paying it forward, since she's been on a lucky streak herself. She recently took to her Twitter account to thank fans for helping her earn her first-ever No. 1 album in the United States. She can thank many of them in person when her tour kicks off on May 12 in Washington, D.C.

Rucker's going to be at some patriotic events in the coming months, first appearing on a star-studded NBC television tribute to George H.W. Bush entitled 'All Together Now - A Celebration of Service' on March 21, then heading to Nashville for the city's annual 4th of July festival.

Watch Darius Rucker and Adele perform 'Need You Now'