The Grand Ole Opry is set to commemorate its centennial on Wednesday, March 19th, with a three-hour television special airing on NBC. This milestone emphasizes the enduring significance and cultural resonance of the iconic country music venue, remaining prominent and relevant a century after its inception.
Details about the special remain largely under wraps until the broadcast. It remains to be seen whether it will feature many of the country legends who have historically graced the Opry stage or if it will focus primarily on popular major label artists, which might not encapsulate the true essence of the Opry.
Blake Shelton has been announced as the special host, yet he is known for his lack of performance at the Grand Ole Opry, often bypassing the commitments expected from its permanent members. While artists like Post Malone and Jelly Roll are confirmed, the omission of figures like Tyler Childers or rising star Zach Top raises questions about representation.
Confirmed Opry Members Scheduled to Appear Include:
Trace Adkins, Dierks Bentley, Clint Black, Garth Brooks, Steven Curtis Chapman, Terri Clark, Vince Gill, Alan Jackson, Jamey Johnson, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Ashley McBryde, Reba McEntire, Carly Pearce, Blake Shelton, Ricky Skaggs, Marty Stuart, Randy Travis, Travis Tritt, Carrie Underwood, Trisha Yearwood.
Confirmed Opry Members making “Special Appearances” Include:
Lauren Alaina, Bill Anderson, Sara Evans, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Scotty McCreery, Jeannie Seely.
Members Performing/Appearing in Pre-Recorded Segments from The Ryman:
Brad Paisley, Luke Combs, Kelsea Ballerini, Keith Urban, Lainey Wilson, Crystal Gayle, Barbara Mandrell.
Non-Members Scheduled to Appear/Perform:
Yolanda Adams, Eric Church, Jelly Roll, Amy Grant, Post Malone, The War and Treaty.
The absence of several longtime Opry acts, such as Riders In The Sky and The Oak Ridge Boys, raises the possibility they may still make an appearance, overshadowed by the inclusion of more modern acts like Post Malone and Jelly Roll. There is also speculation about potential invitations to new members, possibly extending to Jelly Roll or The War and Treaty.
Highlights Expected During the Celebration Include:
- Reba McEntire will honor Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn.
- Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will pay tribute to George Jones and Tammy Wynette.
- Carly Pearce is set to honor Dolly Parton.
- Marty Stuart and Lainey Wilson will perform a classic by Hank Williams.
- Post Malone and Travis Tritt will collaborate on “T-R-O-U-B-L-E.”
- Jelly Roll and Ashley McBryde will celebrate Johnny Cash and June Carter.
- Kelsea Ballerini will perform for Barbara Mandrell, and Keith Urban will honor Crystal Gayle.
- Aloe Blacc and The McCrary Sisters will pay tribute to Charley Pride.
- Alan Jackson will sing “Chattahoochee,” and Luke Combs will perform “Hurricane.”
The backdrop for this event comes after NBC Universal acquired a 30% interest in the Opry’s parent company, Ryman Hospitality, in April 2022, aiming to create synergies between the two entities, notably through the recently launched “People’s Choice Country Awards,” which has struggled to gain traction in a competitive awards landscape.
The Grand Ole Opry has established itself as the world’s longest-running live radio program, continually showcasing established and emerging country music talents since its radio debut in 1925. It operated from the Ryman Auditorium from 1943 until moving to the Opry House in March 1974.
For ongoing updates on the Grand Ole Opry 100th Special, be sure to follow Saving Country Music.
This article has been revised with updated performance details.
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