The Grand Ole Opry is marking its 100th anniversary with a live, star-studded celebration titled Opry 100: A Live Celebration, hosted by country music sensation Blake Shelton. The event, which airs tonight, March 19, 2025, from 8 to 11 p.m. Eastern Time, will be broadcast on NBC and simulcast on Peacock, to connect millions of fans to the magic of country music.
As the curtain rises, viewers will witness a remarkable array of performances from iconic artists including Carrie Underwood, Alan Jackson, Randy Travis, Keith Urban, and many others. This evening of musical celebration not only honors the past but also bridges into the future of the Grand Ole Opry, showcasing how it has shaped American music over the last century.
Patrick Moore, from Opry Entertainment Group, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, "We’re pleased to partner with our Grand Ole Opry members to create a truly unforgettable evening as we kick off the Opry’s 100th year." Among the performers is Post Malone, who has transitioned from pop and hip-hop into country music, marking a significant evolution in his career. His debut country album, F-1 Trillion, recently debuted on top of the Billboard 200 charts.
Malone, born Austin Post, 29, is set to embark on his Big Ass Stadium Tour next month with performers Jelly Roll and Sierra Ferrell. His participation in tonight's celebration emphasizes a growing acceptance and blending of musical genres within the country music community.
Listeners will also hear from legends such as Garth Brooks, Trisha Yearwood, and Vince Gill, all sharing their own unique connections to the Opry that continues to inspire future generations of musicians.
This evening also reflects the vibrant spirit of country music as it adapts and evolves. For instance, Post Malone's recent foray into the genre represents a modern twist on traditional sounds. "The road goes on forever and the poetry never ends," said Tyler Childers, a testament to the enduring legacy of the Opry and its influence over decades.
In the lead-up to this monumental anniversary, the Grand Ole Opry has seen new faces like Robert Earl Keen. The 69-year-old singer-songwriter made his Opry debut just last week, revealing a remarkable return to performing after a hiatus following his time in a Houston recovery clinic. Keen humorously reflected, "I’d forgotten that I was supposed to play at the Opry, so I came out of retirement!" His reemergence on stage resonates with Opry’s ethos of continually embracing new talent while honoring its long-standing traditions.
The Grand Ole Opry, which began in 1925 as a simple radio broadcast, has since grown into an iconic fixture of American culture—providing a platform for stories told through music that transcend time and place. The venue itself holds deep historical significance, with performances often taking place at both the Grand Ole Opry House and its legendary predecessor, the Ryman Auditorium, where the country music scene flourished.
Blake Shelton, who will also take the stage this evening, reflects on the impact the Opry has had in shaping his own journey. He recalls his inaugural performance at the Grand Ole Opry when he was just 24 years old, stating, "This is what I wanted from the beginning—to make a mark in country music, and this is the ultimate one." Having become a member of the Opry in 2010, he sees the organization as a hallmark of his career, adding, "Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career... I’m so proud to be part of this historic celebration."
Tonight's broadcast promises not only to highlight remarkable performances but also to celebrate the stories behind the artists, showcasing their journeys and connections to the Opry. As the curtain rises on Opry 100: A Live Celebration, viewers are invited to tune in and experience a night of joy, nostalgia, and pride in country music's enduring legacy.
This historic celebration serves as both a tribute to the past and a welcome to the future of the Opry. As stars light up the stage, they carry with them the spirit of a shared musical family that has defined and shaped the landscape of country music for the last century.
