Watch Lauren Alaina Get Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry
She was completely floored!
Country star Lauren Alaina was surprised with one of country’s highest honors on Saturday night (December 18), when the “Getting Good” singer was asked to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.
Invited by her mentor and duet partner, ’90s icon Trisha Yearwood, Alaina fell to her knees during the emotional moment, with her parents in the audience and Christmas spirit in the air. The invitation will now enshrine the former American Idol contestant in one of country’s most prestigious traditional clubs — along side the likes of Dolly Parton, Loretta Lynn, Reba and more.
Yearwood extended the invitation during a break in the Opry’s live Saturday night broadcast, emerging from backstage as Alaina performed.
“Junior (her nickname for Alaina), I have a present for you,” Yearwood began. “And I have some surprises for you, too. I know your Mom is here and I know your Dad is as well. He’s super proud of you right now because I have the honor of asking you on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry if you will please accept our invitation of becoming our newest member.”
Overcome with emotion, Alaina fought off tears of joy as she accepted, with Yearwood going on to say she deserves every bit of the honor.
“You are the real deal,” Yearwood said. “You’ve played [the Opry] over 50 times. It’s obvious what this means to you. This is a very special club to be in so you have to understand what the Opry means to be asked. It’s such an honor. Country music is in good hands with you. Soak up every second!”
Sharing the video with fans on social media, Alaina was beside herself with happiness, and fellow artist like Kelsea Ballerini, Carly Pearce, Martina McBride, Dustin Lynch and more replied with congratulations and support.
“I have watched this video ten times (at least) and I still can’t believe it. I cry every time I watch,” Alaina wrote, also calling the Grand Ole Opry “the most magical place on earth.” “It takes my breath away every single time I step out on that stage,” she said. “It was certainly a night to reMEMBER. It is an honor, and I will never be able to say thank you enough. ❤️
Lauren Alaina will be official inducted as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry sometime in early 2022.
