The Grand Ole Opry is a famous place where country music stars have performed for 100 years. To celebrate this big birthday, they’re throwing a huge party with lots of amazing singers like Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Eric Church, Trace Adkins, Amy Grant, and more.
One special performer is Carrie Underwood. She became a member of the Grand Ole Opry back in 2008, three years after winning American Idol in 2005. It all started when Randy Travis surprised her on stage. He was a super famous singer then, and when he walked out, everyone in the crowd stood up to cheer. Carrie was so shocked she didn’t know what to say! Randy told her she was going to be an official Opry member, and she pretended to think about it before saying yes. She was so happy she even started to cry. Randy gave her a big hug and told her the date she’d officially join. Afterward, Carrie said it was funny how everyone kept the surprise a secret from her.
Fast forward to the Opry’s 100-year celebration, and something really cool happened. Carrie wore a black dress, just like the one she had on 17 years ago when Randy surprised her. This time, she got to honor him instead. She walked on stage and told everyone how much she loved Randy’s music growing up. She said her sister had a tape of his songs, and Carrie loved them so much she never gave it back. She even cried the first time she met him because she was so excited. Carrie explained how Randy became her friend and how he surprised her with the Opry invitation all those years ago. She felt so lucky to be celebrating him and the Opry that night.
Then, Carrie sang two of Randy’s best songs. First, she performed “Three Wooden Crosses,” and it was so touching that people in the audience, including Randy’s wife, Mary Davis, started crying. Next, she sang “Forever and Ever, Amen,” one of his biggest hits. Near the end, she walked into the crowd and let Randy sing the last “Amen.” This was extra special because Randy had a stroke a long time ago, so hearing him sing again was amazing. When she finished, everyone stood up and clapped for both of them.
It was a night full of music, surprises, and happy tears—a perfect way to celebrate 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry!
