Callista Clark Named Opry Nextstage Artist For September

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Callista Clark. Photo: Danielle Piazza

Callista Clark is the latest addition to the Grand Ole Opry’s NextStage Class of 2022. The Big Machine Records artist will make her NextStage debut with Opry performances on Saturday, Sept. 10 and Friday, Sept. 23.

The 18-year old’s top 20 debut “It’s ‘Cause I Am,” was one of country radio’s most successful new artist debuts of 2021. Clark will release her first full-length album, Real To Me: The Way I Feel, on Oct. 14. The album features 10 tracks, including her latest single “Gave It Back Broken.” Billboard featured Clark two years in a row on their annual “21 Under 21” list, and she was also the youngest member ever named to CMT’s Next Women of Country in its 2022 class.

“Since my first trip to Nashville when I was 11, the Grand Ole Opry has seemed like the dreamiest stage,” Clark says. “I was over the moon when they chose me to be the newest NextStage artist. I am so thankful to have the support of my Opry family.”

Opry NextStage collaborations include live performances, strategic marketing support and short-form documentary-style storytelling created by Opry Entertainment’s content team. Opry NextStage presents rising artists who are making standout music at the forefront of their careers through the Opry’s marketing platforms, which are set to deliver more than 100 million impressions.

Clark is the fifth act to join the 2022 class that includes Elvie Shane, Morgan Wade, Breland and Restless Road. The two previous NextStage classes have featured artists such as Parker McCollum, Lainey Wilson, Riley Green and Tenille Townes, who all went on to earn ACM New Male and Female Artist of the Year trophies following their Opry NextStage debuts. NextStage launched in 2019 with an inaugural class that included Green, Tegan Marie, Townes and Travis Denning.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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