Grand Ole Opry members Carrie Underwood, Bill Anderson, and Del McCoury along with Billy Currington, Easton Corbin, Scotty McCreery, Mickey Guyton, and Mo Pitney hit the stage Tuesday night as the Opry kicked off its CMA Music Fest Week with two shows. Surprise special backstage guests included actors Tom Arnold and Arnold Schwarzenegger.
Seven-time Grammy®-winner Underwood kicked off her CMA Music Festival week of appearances with a return to the Opry stage. With the week being all about the fans, the Official Carrie Underwood Fan Club Party took place at the Opry this evening as well. Underwood made her Opry debut on June 10, 2005 during her first-ever CMA Music Festival, less than a month after winning American Idol in 2005. Her performances this week also extend the celebration begun with the release of her 25-track Greatest Hits: Decade #1 album, bringing Underwood full circle to the place where it all began.
The Opry kicked off music earlier in the afternoon with a free Opry Plaza Party presented by Humana® featuring Columbia Records recording artist Tyler Farr. Opening the Party was Opry fan favorite and Curb Records recording artist Pitney.
Additional Opry fun scheduled for later this week includes performances by Charles Esten, Larry Gatlin & The Gatlin Brothers, Mickey Gilley, Chris Janson, Charley Pride, Darius Rucker, Mel Tillis, Josh Turner, Clay Walker, and more. In addition to Friday and Saturday night performances, the Opry will offer a special matinee at the Ryman Auditorium Saturday at 3 p.m.
A great time was had by fans and stars alike. Check out these Instagram shots…
A photo posted by Carrie Underwood (@carrieunderwood) on
A photo posted by Mickey Guyton (@mickeyguyton) on
