Grand Ole Opry Welcomes Lainey Wilson As Its Newest Member

Chris Hollo / Grand Ole Opry / Instagram

Introducing The Grand Ole Opry’s Newest Member…Lainey Wilson

The past year has been a “Whirlwind” for Lainey Wilson, and it just got even more exciting, as she’s now the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

Wilson received the dream-come-true invitation to join the Opry during the Season 25 finale of The Voice on May 21. She appeared on the show to perform her new song, “Hang Tight Honey.”

RELATED: 10 FUN FACTS TO LEARN ABOUT LAINEY WILSON

While Wilson was onstage, coach Reba McEntire stepped up to share her pride in all she’s accomplished. McEntire, who’s been an Opry member since 1986, followed up by saying:

“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 be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.“

Wilson was overcome with emotion as she hugged McEntire. She pointed out her family in the audience and shared what the Opry means to all of them:

“They took me to Nashville when I was nine years old and we went to the Grand Ole Opry. We saw Bill Anderson and Crystal Gayle and Little Jimmy Dickens, and I knew that I wanted to play there – I wanted to do it.”

Wilson also noted how it was “crazy” to receive the invitation from McEntire since she’s one of her greatest role models.

Lainey Was Officially Inducted Into The Opry On Friday, June 7

Shortly after Wilson received her invitation, the Opry revealed the date of her induction ceremony.

“Cat’s out of the bag!” the Opry said in a post on social media. “Y’all crashed our website and we’re back up and running! [Reba] has invited [Lainey Wilson] to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry, and it’s going down on June 7!”

The ceremony occurred during a busy week in Nashville, as the annual CMA Fest kicked off on June 6. Wilson was a headliner on Saturday, June 8, and the “Artist of the Day” on Sunday, June 9.

But before that, she celebrated her Opry induction at the Grand Ole Opry House on June 7. Other performers that evening included Terri Clark, Meg McRee, Jeannie Seely, Mark Wills, and Wynonna.

The Grand Ole Opry’s official social media accounts featured a video on their story of Wilson expressing her emotions before her induction, capturing her anticipation and gratitude as she prepared for this significant milestone in her career.

“It’s a big night. Probably the biggest night of my life. I am gettin’ inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. That’s the first time I’ve said that, and it’s startin’ to really, really feel real. I’m excited, I’m nervous, I’m honored. Everything that I always feel every single time I walk through these Grand Ole Opry doors, but especially tonight.”

 

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Country icons Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood had the honor of officially inducting Lainey Wilson as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. The induction ceremony was marked by a heartfelt speech from Wilson, reflecting on the journey that led her to this pivotal moment, describing the experience as a “big full circle moment” for her.

“From a very early age, I wanted to play here. I wanted to come here, then I wanted to play here, and then I wanted to be a member. And it feels like I’ve taken a million steps to get there, but it also feels like one big giant leap. And I think that leap is really just a leap of faith. So, I’m very excited and honored.”

Congratulations to Lainey Wilson on becoming the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry!