Liz McCartney , dedicated to helping survivors of Hurricane Katrina rebuild their homes , was named 2008 CNN Hero of the Year . ` `` America : A Tribute to Heroes An All-Star Tribute '' aired Thanksgiving weekend on CNN . Grammy winners John Legend , Alicia Keys and John Legend performed . The show honored the top 14 CNN Heroes as selected by a distinguished panel . Liz McCartney of Louisiana , St. Bernard Parish , named CNN Hero of the Year .
` `` America : A Tribute to Heroes An All-Star Tribute '' aired Thanksgiving weekend on CNN . Grammy winners John Legend , Alicia Keys and John Legend performed . The show honored the top 14 CNN Heroes as selected by a distinguished panel . Liz McCartney of Louisiana , St. Bernard Parish , named CNN Hero of the Year .