As the group finished a three-song set with its smash “Pontoon,” McEntire appeared from the side of the stage, improvising on the song’s last few words. “I know the Grand Ole Opry is very important to y’all, because this is the first place you guys played together as a group in 1999,” McEntire began after the impromptu collaboration. “I have been asked to ask y’all, Little Big Town, would y’all like to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry?”
After hugs with McEntire and between the members as well as a collective “yes” from the group, McEntire said, “Special moments like this—they’re priceless.”
Speaking for the group, Fairchild cheered, “Thank you, Grand Ole Opry! We will try to make you proud!”
Opry member Vince Gill along with fellow members Rascal Flatts, Diamond Rio and Oak Ridge Boys during Urban’s “All For The Hall” benefit at Bridgestone Arena. New Zealand-born and Australian-raised Urban will be the first artist from outside North America to become an Opry member. He will formally be inducted into the Opry on Sat., April 21st live on the premiere of “NOTEWORTHY at the Opry” on GAC at 8 p.m. Central. The 16-episode series will feature musical performances and personal stories from the top acts in country music plus interviews with other celebrities about the artists and music featured in each episode.
Near the end of last night’s show, Gill called Rascal Flatts back out on stage to bring a gift for Urban. As Urban opened a large black duffel bag revealing the Opry’s signature microphone stand, Gill said, “We would like to invite Keith Urban to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry!”
Urban covered his face in surprise as he began, “I don’t know what to say – but first, YES! Thank you very much to everybody at the Grand Ole Opry who made this possible. I’m shocked. How beautiful for this to happen tonight of all nights.”
“I will always remember the first time I played the Opry,” Urban continued, “seeing this stand and standing in the circle was an extraordinarily surreal moment. So this right here is just a whole other stratosphere! Thank you from the bottom of my heart.”
“We are extremely excited that another of today’s most popular country music superstars will be joining our Opry family,” said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. “Keith has become a master at forging a unique musical path and building an incredibly successful career. He generates amazing enthusiasm from fans every time he plays the Opry, and he continuously demonstrates the deep regard he has both for the Opry and the entire country music community.”
The Grand Ole Opry is set to celebrate its 86th birthday with a month full of special shows throughout October.
Tuesday, October 4, the Opry honors Randy Travis’ 25 years in country music and as an Opry member with appearances by Carrie Underwood, Connie Smith, Josh Turner, and more, including the guest of honor.
The Opry’s Official 86th Birthday Bash Weekend October 7-8 features Charley Pride, Rascal Flatts, the solo Opry debut of Ronnie Dunn, and more.
Chris Young, Dierks Bentley, Eric Church, LeAnn Rimes, Montgomery Gentry, Sara Evans, Scotty McCreery, and Trace Adkins, are among those to appear on the Opry October 11.
October 22 as the Opry joins Women Rock For The Cure in the fight against breast cancer with its third annual “Opry Goes Pink” show. Opry member Martina McBride, whose current single “I’m Gonna Love You Through It” offers hope to those affected by cancer.
The star-packed celebration month is also set to feature Opry performances by Brad Paisley, Keith Urban, Little Big Town, Rodney Atkins and many others.
The Grand Ole Opry will mark the first anniversary of the flood that devastated much of Nashville and temporarily displaced the Opry from the Grand Ole Opry House with a star-packed show celebrating Music City’s heart and resilience.
The show, Play On, Nashville!, is Tuesday May 3 at the Opry House. Among those performing are Brad Paisley, Dierks Bentley, Luke Bryan, Charlie Daniels Band, and more.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been a year since the flood,” said Opry member Dierks Bentley. “The city of Nashville, the Opry, and the country music community were so resilient and came together to rebuild so quickly after the devastation. I’ve never been more proud to be an Opry member, and I’m looking forward to celebrating that sense of community again on Tuesday.”
Blake Shelton joined the Grand Ole Opry last year. Though becoming a member of the show was a dream come true for him, Blake thinks the Opry has some work to do in reaching out to young people. Blake remembers the show airing on cable's TNN when was younger, but he says, "It's just not something kids know much about anymore."
Blake thinks for the Opry to survive, it must appeal to a new generation. "I want to be a part of something that brings it back to the youth again," Blake explains. He thinks people like his fellow Opry members Carrie Underwood, Dierks Bentley and Brad Paisley are helping bring new fans to the Opry. He says, "It's also going to be a fun challenge for me to get in there and create a buzz about it again."
Check out the great stories and photo's at the Grand Ole Opry website here.
