The Grand Ole Opry will induct a Country Music Association and Academy of Country Music Entertainer of the Year into their ranks for the first time in five years.
In the season finale of "The Voice," an NBC singing competition, on Tuesday night, Reba McEntire extended an invitation to ACM and CMA Entertainer of the Year Lainey Wilson to join the Grand Ole Opry as its 229th cast member.
Following her performance of "Hang Tight Honey," the most recent single off her upcoming August 2024 album "Whirlwind," Wilson was taken aback by McEntire when she saw her on stage.
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McEntire exclaimed, "Lainey, I am so proud of you." I am overjoyed if I had any influence over your career, as you are truly amazing.
I've heard that I've inspired you and what you've accomplished thus far. Keep 'em all goin'; I couldn't be more proud to be the one assisting you in keeping our generations apart.
It would be my pleasure to extend an official invitation to you to join the Grand Ole
Wilson will be the first graduate of the Opry's Nextstage program for developing talent to be admitted into the organization. Alongside two-time ACM winner Parker McCollum, 2023 ACM Award winner Hailey Whitters, six-time Grammy nominee Yola, and three country radio chart-toppers,
The goal is that, like Wilson, artists can eventually become a mainstay of the show's calendar—or better yet, cast members.
Hailey Whitters, six-time Grammy nominee Yola, and a trio of country radio chart-toppers: Priscilla Block, Niko Moon, and Jameson Rodgers.