Blake Shelton is hosting an unbelievable star-studded event, in honor of the Grand Ole Opry‘s 100th anniversary. The Oklahoma native will serve as the host for Opry 100: A Live Celebration, a three-hour event airing on Wednesday, March 19 on NBC, and also streaming on Peacock.
More than a dozen artists will perform as part of Opry 100: A Live Celebration, including Shelton, plus Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood and Vince Gill.
In addition, Randy Travis will make a special appearance, as well some beloved guest artists over the years, including Amy Grant, Eric Church, Jelly Roll and The War And Treaty.
Shelton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on October 23, 2010. Of all of his milestones, being a member of the Opry remains at the top of the list.
“Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career, and 15 years later I still get that same feeling of reverence and excitement every time I walk out on that stage,” Shelton says. “The Grand Ole Opry has been connecting the country music family for 100 years, and I’m so proud to be part of this historic celebration.”
“We’re pleased to partner with our Grand Ole Opry members to create a truly unforgettable evening as we kick off the Opry’s 100th year,” adds Patrick Moore, CEO of Opry Entertainment Group. “This special night of programming will connect millions of country music fans to the magic of the Opry, and we hope it inspires them to join us in Nashville as we celebrate this milestone all year long.”
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Shelton was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry, via Twitter, by Trace Adkins. Being part of the Opry is more than a dream come true for him.
“I get the same feeling when I come to the Opry as when I see one of my heroes,” Shelton says. “I am in awe. To me, the Grand Ole Opry is an artist and I’m really proud to be one of its songs.”
The news of Shelton hosting Opry 100: A Live Celebration comes in the middle of an exciting season for Shelton. The 48-year-old has a Top 15 hit with “Texas,” the debut single from his next album, and his first on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. Shelton signed with the new label following his exit from Warner Music Nashville, where he had been for 23 years.
“I’m still working with Scott Hendricks, my producer,” Shelton says on Country Countdown USA. “Can’t imagine working with anyone else. He pushes me to do something different. We also have the same musicians in the studio. The only thing that’s different is we changed record labels. I felt it was time to turn the page, get some new people, and they help me feel rejuvenated again.”
The Opry 100: A Live Celebration telecast will be executive produced by Silent House Productions’ Emmy Award winners Baz Halpin, Mark Bracco and Linda Gierahn, along with R.A. Clark and Steve Buchanan.
“It’s a true privilege to be a part of celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry, an iconic stage that has welcomed so many legendary artists who’ve shaped the heart of country music,” says Silent House Productions’ President Mark Bracco. “We’re humbled and honored to help bring this historic moment to life, paying tribute to the voices and stories that have made the Opry an enduring symbol of musical history.”
Opry 100: A Live Celebration will feature performances from the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium. A limited number of tickets will go on sale Friday, January 31 at 10:00 AM. Tickets will be available exclusively to Opry subscribers on January 30 at 10:00 AM. Sign up here. Find more information at Opry.com.