Opry NextStage Celebrates 2023 Class Members

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Pictured (L-R): Chapel Hart, Ernest, Ashley Cooke, Kameron Marlowe, Jackson Dean, Lainey Wilson and Corey Kent. Photo: Catherine Powell

The Grand Ole Opry and Opry NextStage hosted “Opry NextStage Live” on Dec. 6, which served as a year-end celebration for this year’s Opry NextStage Class.

The show included performances by 2023 members Ashley Cooke, Jackson Dean, Ernest, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent and Kameron Marlowe. Lainey Wilson was the evening’s emcee and headliner. The festivities wrapped a busy year for this class of eight acts, as they collectively scored two No. 1s, released 10 albums, earned 17 major award nominations and took the Opry stage 23 times.

Since 2019, the Opry NextStage program has introduced new talent to the country scene and featured artists such as Wilson, Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes and Hailey Whitters, who all went on to earn ACM New Male or New Female Artist of the Year trophies the year following their NextStage inclusion. Other NextStage alumni include Priscilla Block, Breland, Niko Moon, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Restless Road and Nate Smith, among others.

Lorie Hollabaugh
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