E! to Air MACKLEMORE'S BIG SURPRISE, 11/7

As one of the most celebrated and innovative musical acts in the world today, Macklemore has a lot to be thankful for. A string of prestigious awards and nominations this year make him music's "It" boy, but according to the artist himself, if it weren't for one very special woman, he might not be alive today. In this intimate one-hour special, Macklemore opens up about his long struggle with drug abuse and how fiancée Tricia Davis and her mother Diana helped him get his life back on track. Now on top of the world, Macklemore invites E! cameras into his new studio to talk frankly about the addiction that nearly destroyed him, and how love brought him back from the brink. And in a grand gesture of gratitude to the woman who helped change his life for the better, he orchestrates a gorgeous home makeover, when the new E! Special "Macklemore's Big Surprise" premieres Thursday, November 7th at 10pm ET/PT.

During the engaging special, we visit with Macklemore and his partner, producer Ryan Lewis who, together this year, have racked up three MTV Video Music Awards, two Teen Choice Award, a MuchMusic Video Award, an mtvU Woodie Award, a BET Award and the Billboard Music Award for Rap Song of the Year ("Thrift Shop"). Add to that six nominations for the upcoming American Music Awards, and you have a musical act that is one of the industry's most successful. We'll also meet Macklemore's uncle, John Haggerty who, along with his same-sex partner Sean, are depicted on the cover of the single release "Same Love," Macklemore's much-heralded rap paean to equality.

Life was not always so rosy for Macklemore, however, as this special reveals. Born Ben Haggerty, Macklemore first used drugs and alcohol at the age of 14. After completing a stint in rehab several years later, with Tricia and Diana both supporting him all the way, Macklemore relapsed in 2011 when he became addicted to Oxycontin. Tricia recalls that the addiction had taken over Macklemore, and that she was unsure whether their relationship would survive, given his tremendous lying and cheating. However, he credits the unconditional encouragement he got from Diana as the motivation and support he needed to once again get sober. In doing so he not only saved his life but also his relationship with Tricia, which led to the couple's January 2013 engagement. Macklemore talks candidly about what he put Diana and Tricia through, as well as his concerns that he might never fully regain their trust. Still, as an expression of his appreciation and dedication to her family, the hip-hop superstar tries to pull off the biggest surprise of Diana's life.

To execute his plan, Macklemore gets Diana out of her home filled with thrift shop finds and hand-me-downs for 72 hours, during which time he has a crew standing by to swoop in for a makeover that will reflect the loving person she is. With only three days to get it all done, Macklemore, Tricia and their team of family members, friends and neighbors must work fast to get the home renovated - both indoors and out - including designing a new pool area, living room, guest room, and more. Throughout the renovation, Macklemore and Tricia discover family photos that spark reminiscences about their first meeting (made possible by social media) eight years ago, and the proposal that didn't quite work out as planned.

During the makeover there are some major setbacks, including shortage of time, insufficient flooring for the job, not enough help, terrible weather, and the always unwelcome but often amusing combination of children and paint. It's a project of love from start to finish, as everyone works together to try to complete their surprise before Diana returns. And unbeknownst to everyone but Macklemore, if everything comes together, he has one more surprise up his sleeve that will leave Diana speechless.

Produced by Entertainment One Television, executive producers include Tara Long (Mary Mary, Sisters with Voices, The Sheard's), Eric Hoberman (Mary Mary, The Sheard's), Anna Halberg and Spenser Cohen.

Photo by: Gustavo Caballero/E! Entertainment

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