Former American Idol II contestant Josh Gracin will perform in place of Lonestar’s lead singer during tonight’s STARS Extravaganza at the American Bank Center in Corpus Christi.

Event organizers said Richie McDonald, a singer with the country music group, will not perform because of complications from a recent back surgery.

"He is in a Nashville hospital and ordered not to leave," said Marc Solis, American Bank Center general manger.

South Texas Academic Rising Scholars raises funds each year through its Extravaganza events to help fund its academic scholarship programs. Since 2002, the organization has been able to award more than 3,100 scholarships to South Texas students.