Lainey Wilson Invited To Join The Grand Ole Opry

Reba McEntire & Lainey Wilson. Photo: Courtesy of NBCUniversal

Following her live performance of her new single “Hang Tight Honey” on NBC’s The Voice last night (May 21), Lainey Wilson was surprised by Opry member Reba McEntire with an invitation to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry family.

Lainey Wilson with her custom-made belt buckle. Photo: Courtesy of NBCUniversal

The ACM Entertainer of the Year made her Opry debut on Feb. 14, 2020, and will be inducted on Friday, June 7.

“Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I have inspired you in what you have done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I have had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up. I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry,” said McEntire.

She then presented Wilson with a gift commemorating the occasion, a custom-made belt buckle reading “Opry” and “Lainey” with “2024” emblazoned on its reverse side.

“I am so incredibly honored to be invited to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opy, and to have the legendary Reba McEntire surprise me during tonight’s show was such an unforgettable moment,” shared Wilson. “This is something I’ve always dreamed of, ever since my first trip to the Opry when I was nine years old. I will never forget this moment!”

“There is not a doubt in my mind that Lainey will make an impact on country music and the Grand Ole Opry for generations to come,” says Dan Rogers, Senior Vice President & Executive Producer, Grand Ole Opry. “On the eve of the Opry’s 100th year, we’re so very excited to say ‘welcome home’ to one of country music’s great voices and personalities.”

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Liza Anderson

As Subscription Manager/Writer, Liza Anderson contributes to many functions of MusicRow. She produces content, carries out general office tasks, assists in the daily news operations, and provides support to all team members. Liza graduated from the University of Alabama in May of 2021 with a B.A. in English and a minor in communication studies. Prior to MusicRow, she worked as an administrative assistant at Anderson Benson where she assisted the firm’s departments, such as the Entertainment Specialty Practice, with various tasks.

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