In Pictures: Grand Ole Opry Celebrates 2nd Annual NextStage Live In Concert

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Pictured (L-R): Restless Road’s Colton Pack, Zach Beeken & Garrett Nichols; Hailey Whitters; Priscilla Block; Conner Smith; Breland; Nate Smith and Elvie Shane. Photo: Lindsey Patkos

The Grand Ole Opry celebrated its 2nd annual Opry NextStage Live In Concert on Sunday night (Nov. 20) with performances from members of the 2022 NextStage class, including Breland, Restless Road, Elvie Shane, Conner Smith and Nate Smith. 

Breland performs at second annual Opry NextStage Live In Concert. Photo: Danielle Piazza

Highlights from the evening included Conner Smith’s standing ovation for his song “Dear Grand Ole Opry,” which he called “a love song” to the hallowed stage; Shane’s performance of his Platinum hit “My Boy;” and special performances from host and NextStage alumna Priscilla Block, as well as fellow alumna Hailey Whitters, who sang her single “Everything She Ain’t.”

“We feel so honored to be on stage here. Being an Opry NextStage artist is absolutely unbelievable and to get to stand on the same stage as many of these other artists who are here tonight is an absolute blessing,” Restless Road shared during the special evening.

The NextStage Live In Concert event showcases some of country’s rising stars who have been a part of the NextStage artist discovery program.

Highlights of the 2022 class include Breland receiving his first CMA nomination for Musical Event of the Year alongside Dierks Bentley and Hardy, Nate Smith reaching the top 12 on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs Chart for his single “Whiskey On You,” and Callista Clark being named the youngest member of CMT’s 2022 Next Women of Country class.

The complete Opry NextStage 2022 class included Breland, Callista Clark, Restless Road, Elvie Shane, Conner Smith, Nate Smith and Morgan Wade.

Restless Road. Photo: Danielle Piazza

Lorie Hollabaugh
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