Lainey Wilson will be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry. The “Hang Tight Honey” singer was invited by Reba McEntire to join the Opry, while Wilson was performing as part of the Season 25 finale of The Voice.
“Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job,” McEntire said after Wilson’s performance. “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, but you are blowing it up.”
“I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night,” she continued, handing Wilson a present, “and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations, keep them all going. I’d like to be the person to invite you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
BREAKING: @reba has just invited @laineywilson to become the newest member of @opry! During our season finale – Reba surprised Lainey with the special invite. Lainey is scheduled to be inducted into the Opry on June 7th. pic.twitter.com/ROrJwHwUMX
— The Voice (@NBCTheVoice) May 22, 2024
Inside the box was a custom-made belt buckle with the words “Lainey” and “Opry” on one side, and “2024” on the other.
“My family’s over here tonight,” an emotional Wilson said from stage. “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, Little Jimmy Dickens, and I knew that I wanted to play there. I wanted to do it. And it is so crazy that you are asking me to be a member, because I look up to you so much. I’m not talking about just musically, but the way that you carry yourself and your work ethic, you inspire me every day.”
Later, Wilson shared her thoughts on being invited to join the Grand Ole Opry by McEntire on social media.
“Somebody pinch me…I’m going to become a member of the Opry on June 7,” Wilson wrote. “This is the moment little Lainey dreamed about ever since her first trip to Nashville. Thank you Reba and The Voice for the surprise of a lifetime.”
Dan Rogers, Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry, also praised Wilson, ahead of her induction.
“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,” Rogers said. “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, already the reigning CMA Entertainer of the Year, was also just crowned the ACM Entertainer of the Year. Her Bell Bottoms Up Bar will open in downtown Nashville on May 31, ahead of her headlining show on June 1 at Ascend Amphitheater in Nashville. Wilson’s Whirlwind album will be out on August 23. Find all of Wilson’s music and upcoming shows at LaineyWilson.com.
Read ‘Lainey Wilson: 11 Things to Know About Her Extraordinary Life and Career’ here.
