The Grand Ole Opry, a beacon of country music history, celebrated its 100th anniversary this week, and the red carpet glittered with the brightest stars in Nashville. From country royalty to contemporary icons, the event pulsed with the energy of a century of music, storytelling, and shared memories. Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Carly Pearce were just a few of the names who graced the stage, their voices echoing the legacy of the Opry while simultaneously ushering in a new chapter for this hallowed institution.
Celebrating the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary
On March 19, 2025, the Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 100th anniversary with a star-studded event titled “Opry 100: A Live Celebration.” The ceremony, hosted by country superstar Blake Shelton, was aired on NBC and featured performances by some of the biggest names in country music.
Carrie Underwood, who was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Randy Travis 17 years ago, took the stage to honor the country music legend. Underwood shared a story about her childhood discovery of Travis’ music, highlighting the significance of this moment in her life and career.
Underwood’s emotional tribute to Travis moved the audience to tears, showcasing her deep respect for the country music legend. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming, with fans taking to social media to express their emotions and praise the duo’s dedication to country music.
Randy Travis’ Legacy
Randy Travis is a country music icon known for his smooth baritone voice and hit songs like “Forever and Ever, Amen” and “Three Wooden Crosses.” His induction of Carrie Underwood into the Grand Ole Opry in 2008 was a momentous occasion, marking a new chapter in the country music legend’s career.
Travis’ stroke in 2013 left him unable to sing, but his legacy lives on through his music and the countless artists he has inspired. Underwood’s performance of “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen” was a fitting tribute to Travis’ enduring impact on country music.
Blake Shelton’s Hosting Duties
Country superstar Blake Shelton took on the role of host with ease, keeping the energy high and the performances moving smoothly. Shelton’s wife, Gwen Stefani, graced the red carpet alongside him, showcasing her signature style and glamour.
Shelton’s hosting duties were a testament to his charisma and country music credentials. As a country superstar in his own right, Shelton brought a level of authenticity and enthusiasm to the event that was infectious and engaging.
Carrie Underwood’s Emotional Tribute to Randy Travis
Carrie Underwood’s performance of Randy Travis’ “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen” was a highlight of the evening. Underwood’s emotional tribute to Travis was a testament to the country music legend’s enduring impact on her life and career.
Underwood’s story about her childhood discovery of Travis’ music humanized her and added depth to her performance. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming, with fans taking to social media to express their emotions and praise the duo’s dedication to country music.
Underwood’s Personal Connection to Travis
Underwood’s personal connection to Travis was evident in her performance. She shared a story about her childhood discovery of Travis’ music, highlighting the significance of this moment in her life and career.
Underwood’s emotional tribute to Travis was a testament to the country music legend’s enduring impact on her life and career. The crowd’s reaction was immediate and overwhelming, with fans taking to social media to express their emotions and praise the duo’s dedication to country music.
A Standing Ovation
The crowd’s reaction to Underwood and Travis’ performance was immediate and overwhelming. Fans took to social media to express their emotions and praise the duo’s dedication to country music.
The standing ovation was a testament to the country music legend’s enduring impact on the country music industry. Underwood’s emotional tribute to Travis was a highlight of the evening, and a fitting tribute to the country music legend’s legacy.
Blake Shelton’s Hosting Duties
Country superstar Blake Shelton took on the role of host with ease, keeping the energy high and the performances moving smoothly. Shelton’s wife, Gwen Stefani, graced the red carpet alongside him, showcasing her signature style and glamour.
Shelton’s hosting duties were a testament to his charisma and country music credentials. As a country superstar in his own right, Shelton brought a level of authenticity and enthusiasm to the event that was infectious and engaging.
Shelton’s Country Music Credentials
Shelton’s country music credentials were evident in his hosting duties. He brought a level of authenticity and enthusiasm to the event that was infectious and engaging.
Shelton’s performance of “God Gave Me You” was a highlight of the evening. His emotional tribute to his wife, Gwen Stefani, was a testament to the couple’s enduring love and commitment to each other.
Gwen Stefani’s Red Carpet Appearance
Gwen Stefani’s red carpet appearance was a testament to her signature style and glamour. She graced the carpet alongside her husband, Blake Shelton, and brought a level of sophistication and elegance to the event.
Stefani’s bold red lip and black mini-dress were a highlight of the evening. Her confidence and poise were evident in every step, and her red carpet appearance was a testament to her enduring style and glamour.
Carly Pearce’s Red Carpet Appearance
Carly Pearce’s red carpet appearance was a testament to her elegance and poise. She stunned in a black and nude gown with unique cut-outs throughout.
Pearce’s comments during the official Grand Ole Opry pre-show livestream about her debut in country music and how proud her grandparents would be to see where she is now added depth to her red carpet appearance.
Pearce’s Debut in Country Music
Pearce’s debut in country music was a testament to her talent and dedication to the genre. She shared a story about saving two seats in the audience for her grandparents, who passed away prior to her big moment.
Pearce’s comments about honoring Dolly Parton during the century’s celebration of the Grand Ole Opry were a testament to her respect for the country music legend and her enduring impact on the industry.
Trisha Yearwood’s Red Carpet Appearance
Trisha Yearwood’s red carpet appearance was a testament to her elegance and poise. She stuck to a black theme and wore a black sequined gown.
Yearwood’s comments during the red carpet appearance about getting to be here to celebrate the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry were a testament to her dedication to the country music industry.
A Night to Remember
Blake Shelton’s hosting duties set the tone for a night to remember, with Carrie Underwood’s tribute to Randy Travis being a highlight of the evening. Underwood took the stage at the “Opry 100: A Live Celebration” to honor Travis, who welcomed her to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry 17 years ago in 2008.
Underwood kicked off her tribute to Travis by sharing a story about her childhood. She said that her sister had a cassette tape of Travis’, and once she got her hands on it, she “never” gave it back to her. Five years after that, Travis had a stroke that made him nearly unable to sing.
On Wednesday night, Underwood performed Travis’ “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.” At the end of “Forever and Ever, Amen,” Underwood walked over to Travis in the crowd and gave him the microphone to sing the closing, “Amen,” which moved the crowd to tears.
Celebrity Guests and Performances
A Star-Studded Lineup
The Grand Ole Opry 100th anniversary celebration featured a star-studded lineup of performers, including Jelly Roll, Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Trace Adkins, Lainey Wilson, and Kelsea Ballerini.
A Tribute to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn
Reba McEntire paid tribute to country music legends Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn, highlighting the impact they’ve had on the industry.
A Night of Music and Memories
The performances and tributes showcased the rich history and heritage of country music, with each act leaving their mark on the celebration.
The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary Celebration
A Year-Long Celebration
The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary is being celebrated all year long, with events and performances taking place across the country.
A Legacy of Music
The Grand Ole Opry has been a cornerstone of country music for over a century, providing a platform for artists to showcase their talents and connect with fans.
A Symbol of American Music
The Grand Ole Opry is an iconic institution, symbolizing the heart and soul of American music and the people who make it possible.
Red Carpet Arrivals
Country stars like Carly Pearce and Trisha Yearwood walked the red carpet prior to the ceremony. Pearce stunned in a black and nude gown with unique cut-outs throughout. The cut-outs were lined with a sheer mesh material, and her hair was styled half up and half down.
On the carpet, Pearce made comments during the official Grand Ole Opry pre-show livestream about her debut in country music and how proud her grandparents would be to see where she is now. Pearce said during her debut, she saved two seats in the audience for her grandparents, who passed away prior to her big moment. Now, she knows they would be overjoyed to see her honoring Dolly Parton during the century’s celebration of the Grand Ole Opry.
Yearwood also stuck to a black theme and wore a black sequined gown. Reba McEntire said on the red carpet that “to get to be here tonight to celebrate the 100th anniversary, I wouldn’t miss this for the world.”
“We’re really busy, as everybody in this room is, and we all made time to be here.” She will be giving a tribute to Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn on Wednesday night. Like Yearwood, McEntire was in a black, sequined pantsuit. Her hair was styled back.
Conclusion
The Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary celebration was a dazzling display of country music’s enduring legacy. Stars like Carrie Underwood, Blake Shelton, Gwen Stefani, and Carly Pearce graced the red carpet, their presence underscoring the Opry’s ability to attract both established icons and rising talent.
Beyond the glitz and glamour, the event served as a powerful reminder of the Opry’s profound impact on American culture. For a century, its stage has echoed with the stories, struggles, and triumphs of generations of country music artists. This rich history, coupled with the Opry’s continued commitment to nurturing new voices, ensures that the genre’s spirit will thrive for years to come. As the music industry evolves, the Opry stands as a steadfast beacon, a testament to the enduring power of authenticity and storytelling in a rapidly changing world.
What stories will be etched into the Opry’s future? Who will become the next generation of country music legends? As we celebrate this milestone, one thing is certain: the Grand Ole Opry’s legacy will continue to inspire and captivate audiences, reminding us of the profound connection between music and the human experience.