The Opry Fights Back With St. Jude Night

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St. Jude patient Annzie, St. Jude patient Harper & Kelsea Ballerini. Photo: Courtesy of OH Creative

The Grand Ole Opry filled with music, heart and hope on St. Jude night, as a star-studded lineup of country favorites took the stage to raise support for St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Sunday night (Oct. 19). The night celebrated the life-saving mission of St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital. Throughout the night, artists and hosts spotlighted the importance of supporting children and families facing critical illnesses. $5 from every ticket sold for the Opry went to St. Jude.

Kicking off the evening were Riders in the Sky, bringing their signature Western swing to the storied stage with “Back on Those Texas Plains” and “Autumn on the Trail.” Their performance of “Woody’s Roundup” paired with “You’ve Got a Friend in Me” charmed the crowd and set a nostalgic tone.

Rising artist Kat Luna followed with a set that spotlighted her vocals and storytelling. Her originals, “Back to You” and “Happiest I’ve Ever Been,” drew warm applause from the audience.

Kelly Sutton & St. Jude patient Annzie. Photo: Courtesy of OH Creative

Ty Herndon took the mic next, delivering powerhouse vocals on his beloved hits “Living in a Moment,” “A Man Holdin’ On (To a Woman Lettin’ Go),” and “What Mattered Most.” His performance brought a wave of emotion, earning a standing ovation from longtime fans.

Before the next act took the stage, Jessica Turri, ALSAC/St. Jude Children’s Research Hospital Head of Artist and Industry Relations, Nashville and former St. Jude patient herself, took her spot at the host stand to share her story and speak about the impact the fundraising night has on the patients and families at St. Jude. She then introduced, Anne Wilson, who delivered a faith and grit anchored set featuring “God & Country,” “Hold Your Horses,” and the breakout hit “My Jesus.”

After the intermission, Charles Kelley brought charm and storytelling with “Driving and Listening to Music” and “Look What We Did.” His soulful rendition of Vince Gill’s “Don’t Let Our Love Start Slipping Away” added a classic touch that resonated with the crowd. Kelley also highlighted the importance of giving back, stating “When I found out the Opry was hosting a night dedicated to St. Jude, I just had to be apart of the line up.”

Mitchell Tenpenny & St. Jude patient Harper. Photo: Courtesy of OH Creative

The evening’s host Kelly Sutton launched St. Jude’s new t-shirt, “Music Gives To St. Jude Kids,” given to those who become a Partner In Hope. She then brought out 12 year-old former St. Jude patient Harper to introduce the next act, who is no stranger to the cause. “I hate cancer,” Mitchell Tenpenny said as he stepped up to the microphone. “My aunt is currently going through it, my mom is in remission, and I lost my dad to cancer. This night means a lot.” He then launched into acoustic versions of “We Got History,” “Bucket List,” and “Mama Raised the Hell Out of Me.”

Closing out the night was Kelsea Ballerini, introduced by 7 year-old St. Jude patient Annzie, who recently received a bone marrow transplant at the hospital. Ballerini began her set with “Baggage,” before going into “If You Go Down (I’m Going Down To.),” during which Harper and Annzie joined her on stage. Ballerini closed her set with “Peter Pan,” “Cowboys Cry Too” and “Hole In The Bottle.”

Anne Wilson, St. Jude patient Annzie & St. Jude patient Harper. Photo: Courtesy of OH Creative

Kelly Sutton & St. Jude patient Harper. Photo: Courtesy of OH Creative. Photo: Courtesy of OH Creative

St. Jude patient Annzie & Charles Kelley. Photo: Courtesy of OH Creative

Madison Hahnen
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