On Wednesday, March 19, 2025, celebrated country singer Carrie Underwood stood center stage at the Grand Ole Opry, marking her 20th anniversary since her debut on this iconic platform. Underwood, then just 22 years old and fresh off her thrilling win on American Idol Season 4, has since ascended to become a luminary in the world of country music. During the special NBC event, Opry 100: A Live Celebration, she performed two heartfelt renditions of Randy Travis’s classics, “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” leaving many in the audience emotionally stirred.
This year, the Grand Ole Opry celebrates its centennial anniversary since it first took to the airwaves 100 years ago. The Opry has grown into a hallmark of country music, and its annual celebrations highlight its rich history and the artists who have graced its stage. Underwood’s participation in this event reflects her deep connection to the Opry, further underscored when she handed the microphone to Randy Travis, who was present in the audience, for the closing line, “Amen.” In that fleeting moment, the significance of their relationship—where she had once looked up to him as a mentor—became poignantly clear. “Randy Travis, everybody!” she exclaimed, excitement radiating from her as the audience erupted into applause.
Travis, who has notably reduced his public appearances following a stroke he suffered in 2013, displayed an undisguised joy as he basked in the love and admiration of fellow artists and fans alike. Despite grappling with aphasia, which affects his ability to communicate, the smile on his face as he witnessed Underwood's performance spoke volumes. “It’s incredible to see how the Opry continues to uplift artists and keep country music alive,” Travis has often noted in the past.
The Opry 100: A Live Celebration, hosted by Blake Shelton, included a robust lineup of talent from various generations and genres within country music, from icons like Reba McEntire and Vince Gill to contemporary stars like Dierks Bentley and Post Malone. The event streamed live on NBC and Peacock, highlighting not only the enduring allure of the Opry but also the melting pot of artists it continues to bring together.
Since its inception in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has transformed from a humble live radio show to a formidable cultural institution. Founders of National Life and Accident Insurance Company launched the WSM radio station, named after their motto, “We Shield Millions,” thereby creating a medium that has broadcasted the sounds of country music and more for decades. George D. Hay, a prominent announcer, led the inception with the WSM Barn Dance, and from there, the heritage of the Opry was built.
Part of the centennial celebration includes the upcoming release of a children’s book titled Howdy! Welcome To The Grand Ole Opry in September 2025. Additionally, special performances are slated to occur, including one at London’s Royal Albert Hall, showcasing the global impact of the Opry. With over 200 past inductees, the current membership boasts 76 active Opry members, including an impressive 41 who have earned GRAMMY wins and 61 who have received nominations entwined in the storied history of this institution.
As Carrie Underwood took the stage on March 19, 2025, this celebration was not merely about past triumphs but also a reminder of the future. Artists such as Ashley McBryde, who was inducted into the Opry on December 10, 2022, and contemporary groups like Little Big Town remind us that the essence of country music is continually reborn. Underwood herself embodies this spirit, as she gracefully balances her roles as a trailblazer within the country music landscape while remaining accessible and connected to the roots of her craft.
“I just wish I was smoother,” Underwood once admitted candidly about her early experiences performing. The evolution of her confidence from a shy contestant on American Idol to a powerhouse at the Grand Ole Opry reveals the profound impact this venue has had on her career. The challenges she faced resonate with many artists who pursue their dreams against all odds.
As the Opry continues to evolve, preserving its legendary legacy while embracing new talents, it becomes a haven for creativity and connection. The shared experiences of both seasoned artists and newcomers create a sense of family that underpins the ideology of the Grand Ole Opry. With its 100-year legacy, the Opry not only celebrates its past but looks forward to a future that promises to be as vibrant as its illustrious history.
