A Century of Song: Inside the Historic, Star-Studded Celebration of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary
For a hundred years, the Grand Ole Opry has represented more than just a stage; it has served as the spiritual heart of country music—a revered space where dreamers rise to stardom and legends are forever honored. So, when the time came to mark its centennial, it was never going to be just another show. It became a historic journey, a once-in-a-century gathering that united the giants of country music for an unforgettable evening destined to be remembered.
Inside the legendary Opry House, the energy was electrifying—thick with the resonance of a hundred years’ worth of music and the shared anticipation of a live broadcast. It stood as a tribute to the lasting influence of heartfelt storytelling and the enduring simplicity of three chords and the truth—broadcast for the world to witness.
A Lineup That Was a Living Hall of Fame
Calling the artist roster “star-studded” barely scratches the surface. The night unfolded as a mesmerizing timeline of country music’s heritage and future, showcasing an extraordinary lineup of performers gracing the iconic circle of wood. The list included:
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 performer poured their heart into the spotlight, but one particularly moving moment came courtesy of Luke Combs. With his gritty tone and heartfelt delivery, he captured the room’s full attention, demonstrating exactly why he’s become one of the most vital voices of his era.
The Host with the Honky-Tonk Heart
Leading this unforgettable celebration was Emmy-winning artist Blake Shelton, who proved himself a perfect choice as host. With his signature humor and deep, authentic respect for the Opry’s legacy, Blake guided the evening seamlessly. But he wasn’t just an emcee—he ignited the evening with a dynamic version of Joe Diffie’s ’90s hit “Pickup Man,” then dove into an energetic medley with fellow legends Clint Black and Trace Adkins. Black delivered a suave, confident “Nothin’ but the Taillights,” while Adkins unleashed his legendary baritone on “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” igniting a powerful wave of nostalgia and getting the whole audience on their feet.
Unforgettable Moments That Defined the Night
The night overflowed with powerful highlights—from heartfelt tributes to unexpected collaborations. Carrie Underwood paid a stirring tribute to the iconic Randy Travis, delivering not just the notes but the depth of admiration and respect for a man who shaped generations of artists. In a moment that illustrated the Opry’s progressive soul, global star Post Malone joined country purist Travis Tritt for a genre-blending performance that confirmed music, at its core, knows no limits.
The grand finale, televised worldwide, saw over 50 Grand Ole Opry members gathered on stage for a soul-lifting rendition of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” With Lady A leading the harmonies and powerful vocals from icons like Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire, the performance radiated unity and affirmed the enduring spirit of the genre.
Yet, for those fortunate enough to be in the audience, the true magic began after the cameras stopped. In a private, heartfelt encore, every artist returned for a final performance of the timeless hymn “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” It was the Opry in its purest essence: spontaneous, sincere, and deeply rooted in tradition. A sacred shared experience that perfectly closed out a landmark celebration.
If you didn’t catch the live show, you can still experience the magic—stream the full Opry 100 special on Peacock and relive the unforgettable night that honored country music’s most cherished milestone.