Lainey Wilson Joins the Grand Ole Opry as Official Member
Country Music Superstar Honored with Invitation from Reba McEntire
GRAMMY Award-winning singer-songwriter Lainey Wilson was surprised live on NBC’s “The Voice” with an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry from Opry member Reba McEntire. The multi-platinum recording artist and reigning CMA and ACM Entertainer of the Year will be inducted into the Opry family on Friday, June 7, 2024.
The momentous occasion unfolded shortly after Wilson’s performance on “The Voice.” McEntire took to the stage, 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 custom-made belt buckle reading “Opry” and “Lainey” with “2024” emblazoned on its reverse side, commemorating the historic occasion.
Grand Ole Opry Welcomes Lainey Wilson
Dan Rogers, Opry executive producer, expressed his enthusiasm for Wilson’s induction, saying, “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. 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.”
Wilson expressed her gratitude for the invitation, saying, “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. 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!”
Rising Star and Opry Advocate
Wilson, the 2024 ACM Awards winner for ‘Entertainer of the Year’ and ‘Female Artist of the Year’, has been a member of the Opry NextStage class of 2021 and has been an active supporter of the Opry and a mentor to Opry NextStage artists.
The multi-award-winning singer-songwriter recently released her new single “Hang Tight Honey” from her forthcoming album “Whirlwind,” due out August 23rd. Wilson will kick off her 2024 headlining “Country’s Cool Again” tour on May 31st in Nashville, TN.
“`