A Century of Song: Inside the Grand Ole Opry’s Unforgettable 100th Anniversary
For a hundred years, the Grand Ole Opry hasn’t just been a venue; it’s been the soul of country music, a hallowed ground where legends are born and legacies are cemented. It’s the one stage that every country artist dreams of standing on. So, when it came time to celebrate its centennial, it wasn’t just a concert—it was a historic, emotional pilgrimage that brought the entire country music family together for a night that will echo in history forever.
The air in the iconic theater was absolutely electric, thick with a century’s worth of memories and the anticipation of what was to come. This live celebration was more than a show; it was a testament to the enduring power of story and song, broadcast for the world to see.
A Roster That Reads Like a Hall of Fame
To say the lineup was star-studded would be an understatement. The night’s roster was nothing short of a dream, a breathtaking tapestry weaving together the pioneers, the reigning royalty, and the trailblazers of country music. Just look at the names that graced the stage:
- Garth Brooks
- Trisha Yearwood
- Reba McEntire
- Carrie Underwood
- Eric Church
- Dierks Bentley
- Randy Travis
- Ashley McBryde
- Carly Pearce
- The War & Treaty
- Vince Gill
- Amy Grant
- Clint Black
- Trace Adkins
- Marty Stuart
- Alan Jackson
- Post Malone
- Alison Krauss & Union Station
- Yolanda Adams
- Ricky Skaggs
- Terri Clark
- Steven Curtis Chapman
- Jamey Johnson
Each artist poured their heart out on that sacred circle of wood, but a particularly moving performance came from Luke Combs. With his powerful, raspy voice and genuine emotion, he delivered a performance that reminded every single person watching exactly why he has become one of the genre’s most beloved and important voices.
The Host with the Most: Blake Shelton’s ’90s Throwdown
Steering the ship for this monumental evening was none other than the Emmy-winning superstar, Blake Shelton. He was the perfect host, blending his signature humor and charm with a deep reverence for the Opry’s history. But Blake wasn’t just there to talk; he was there to sing! He kicked things into high gear with a roaring version of Joe Diffie’s “Pickup Man,” and then the night took a glorious turn back in time.
Joined by ’90s country titans Trace Adkins and Clint Black, Blake led a high-octane medley that felt like the ultimate honky-tonk party. Black brought the smooth swagger with “Nothin’ but the Taillights,” and Adkins followed with his iconic baritone on “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” unleashing a tidal wave of nostalgia that had the crowd on its feet, singing along to every word.
Unforgettable Moments That Defined the Night
While the NBC and Peacock broadcast captured so much of the magic, some of the most profound moments were in the subtle glances and powerful tributes. Carrie Underwood delivered a breathtaking homage to the legendary Randy Travis. It wasn’t just a cover; her voice carried a profound weight of respect and love for the man who influenced her and so many others.
In a moment that showcased the Opry’s beautifully evolving spirit, Post Malone, a superstar from a different world, teamed up with country traditionalist Travis Tritt. Their genre-bending collaboration was a joyful surprise, proving that at its core, good music knows no boundaries and has a home at the Opry.
For the televised finale, a staggering assembly of over 50 Grand Ole Opry members filled the stage. Led by the soaring harmonies of Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood, and powerfully supported by Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire, they delivered a version of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You” that was simply soul-stirring. It was a moment of pure unity, a promise of the genre’s collective strength.
But for those lucky enough to be in the room, the magic wasn’t over. After the cameras stopped rolling, an exclusive, intimate encore unfolded. Every artist still backstage returned to the circle one last time to sing the quintessential anthem, “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” This was the Opry in its purest form—unscripted, heartfelt, and deeply connected to its roots. Thanks to a clip later shared by Country Rebel, the world got a peek into this truly sacred moment that perfectly capped off a historic night.
If you missed the live event, you can immerse yourself in the celebration by streaming the full Opry 100 special on Peacock. Check out the incredible performances below and witness the grandeur of country music’s greatest milestone.
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