Rising country music star Lainey Wilson experienced a life-changing moment on national television when country music legend Reba McEntire surprised her with an invitation to join the prestigious Grand Ole Opry.
The emotional scene unfolded during the season finale of NBC’s The Voice, where Wilson delivered a captivating performance of her song “Hang Tight Honey.” As the applause subsided, host Carson Daly passed the microphone to McEntire, a coach on the show and a pillar of the country music community.
A Heartfelt Invitation
McEntire effused praise for Wilson, acknowledging her rising stardom and commending her work ethic and character. “Lainey, I am so proud of you,” Reba shared. “I am thrilled to death if I had anything to do with your career, ’cause you are blowing it up.”
She continued, “I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night, and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you to bridge the gap between our generations.”
Then came the pivotal moment. “I’d like to be the person who invites you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry,” McEntire declared.
Overwhelmed with emotion, Wilson shared a tearful embrace with McEntire. “It is so crazy that you’re asking me to be a member ’cause I look up to you so much,” Wilson responded. “I’m not talking about just musically, but the way that you carry yourself and your work ethic, you inspire me every day.”
The significance of this invitation was not lost on Wilson. The Grand Ole Opry, often called “the show that made country music famous,” has been a cornerstone of the genre for nearly a century. Membership is a coveted honor, signifying a level of achievement and respect within the country music world.
A Dream Come True
Wilson later took to Twitter to express her joy and disbelief, sharing, “Somebody pinch me…I’m going to become a member of the @opry on June 7! This is the moment little Lainey dreamed about ever since her first trip to Nashville. Thank you @reba & @NBCTheVoice for the surprise of a lifetime.”
This invitation is a testament to Wilson’s talent and hard work. She has been steadily building her career for over a decade, releasing critically acclaimed albums and chart-topping singles. Her upcoming fifth album, Whirlwind, is set to release this summer, further cementing her place in the country music landscape.
The induction ceremony, scheduled for June 7th, will undoubtedly be an emotional and unforgettable event for Wilson. As she takes her place among the legends of country music, she carries with her the admiration of her peers, the adoration of fans, and the legacy of the Grand Ole Opry.
