NASHVILLE, TN. – (May 21, 2024) – GRAMMY ® Award-winning and prolific singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson was surprised by Opry member Reba McEntire tonight, live on NBC’s “The Voice,” with an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry. The multi-platinum and reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year Louisiana native will be inducted into the Opry family on Friday, June 7. Shemade her Opry debut on Valentine’s Day (Feb. 14), 2020.
Immediately following Wilson’s performance, McEntire walked to Wilson, saying, “Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I have inspired you in what you have done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I have had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up. I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
McEntire then presented Wilson with a gift commemorating the occasion, a custom-made belt buckle reading “Opry” and “Lainey” with “2024” emblazoned on its reverse side.
“There is not a doubt in my mind that Lainey will make an impact on country music and the Grand Ole Opry for generations to come,” said Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer. “On the eve of the Opry’s 100th year, we’re so very excited to say ‘welcome home’ to one of country music’s great voices and personalities.”
“I am so incredibly honored to be invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opy, and to have the legendary Reba McEntire surprise me during tonight’s show was such an unforgettable moment,” says Wilson. “This is something I’ve always dreamed of, ever since my first trip to the Opry when I was nine years old. I will never forget this moment!”
Wilson, the 2024 ACM Awards winner for ‘Entertainer of the Year’ and ‘Female Artist of the Year’, was a member of the Opry NextStage class of 2021 and has been an avid champion for the Opry, as well as a mentor to the Opry NextStage class of artists in the years since. The multi award-winning singer songwriter just released her new single “Hang Tight Honey,” from her forthcoming studio album Whirlwind out on August 23rd. Wilson will also kick off her 2024 headlining “Country’s Cool Again” tour on May 31st in Nashville, TN.
Tickets are available at Opry.com or by calling 615-871-OPRY or 800-SEE-OPRY.
About Lainey Wilson
GRAMMY ® award-winning, prolific singer-songwriter, Lainey Wilson has earned the enthusiasm and praise of the industry. Critically acclaimed and touted as ‘Entertainer of the Year,’ the Louisiana native who has often been described as a “bona fide storyteller at work,” has made a name for herself as a next-generation icon. Constantly defying the traditional norms and conventions of the Country music genre, Wilson’s “rulebreaking” achievements have led her to numerous accolades and a diehard fanbase.
Nearly 10 years to the day after leaving her small farming community in a camper trailer to chase her dreams in Nashville, she earned her first PLATINUM-certified song, with “Things A Man Oughta Know,” and won over legions of fans across the globe with her signature sound and aesthetic, blending traditional Country with a modern yet retro flare.
Thus far, her music has taken her worldwide with headlining shows in Europe, the UK, Australia, and more. With seven No.1 songs to date, Wilson has become the lead female artist with the most No.1’s this decade along with two GRAMMY nominations, nine ACM and seven CMA awards.
Making her acting debut in Season 5 of Paramount’s smash hit series Yellowstone, Wilson has become a triple-threat in the industry, claiming the roles of singer, songwriter, and actress. Fans can also catch Wilson on her upcoming, “Country’s Cool Again,” headlining North American tour later this Summer and pre-order/pre-save/pre-add her forthcoming studio album, Whirlwind, now. For more information, please visit laineywilson.com.
About the Grand Ole Opry
The Grand Ole Opry is the home of country music where artists and fans gather, in person and virtually, to celebrate and be part of country’s past, present and future. Founded in Nashville in 1925 and today the longest-running live broadcast show in the world, the Opry strengthens its roots by constantly evolving. The Opry’s members are country’s most emblematic artists, and the show regularly showcases country music’s top new talent. The Opry welcomes legions of fans to visit the Opry House in Nashville, Tennessee – Music City, USA – to experience one of the 3-5 live shows it hosts per week; take a backstage tour; listen to live broadcasts on opry.com and wsmonline.com, SiriusXM Willie’s Roadhouse, or its flagship home WSM Radio; and watch Opry Live on Saturday nights and Opry content all week long on Circle Country. The Grand Ole Opry is owned by Ryman Hospitality Properties (NYSE: RHP) and part of a strategic investment with Atairos and NBCUniversal.
