Opry NextStage: Where Are They Now?

BY LANE VAUGHN

From it’s earliest days, the Grand Ole Opry has been a proving ground for country music’s future. Artists traveled from far and wide to perform on the show—gaining thousands of fans in the audience and thousands more over the airwaves.

Through exposure, connection, and support, the Opry helped shape the careers of country legends, from Patsy Cline and Dolly Parton to Vince Gill and Kelsea Ballerini, and countless others who have graced our stage.

Today, one of the ways we keep this tradition alive is through Opry NextStage, a program that shows our commitment to the future of country music. Each year, a new class is selected—artists with the sound, the stories, and the talent to define what’s next.

And we sure know how to pick ‘em. Opry NextStage alumni have gone on to chart No. 1 singles, headline arena tours, earn CMA and ACM awards, and one of them is now an Opry member.

We’re so excited to introduce you to the Opry NextStage Class of 2026. This group is one to watch, and throughout the year, you’ll have plenty of chances to catch them on our stage.

But before you do, we thought we’d check in on some of our notable alum…

Where are they now? Everywhere.

ELLA LANGLEY‚ CLASS OF 2024

This Alabama girl knows how to write a viral hit. You might know her from “You Look Like You Love Me,” her duet with Riley Green that was all over TikTok—and the Billboard Hot 100. Most recently, she’s hit the charts with “Choosin’ Texas,” her first number one hit, which spent four weeks at the top. Her highly-anticipated sophomore album Dandelion drops on April 10, and we can’t wait to give it a spin.

ERNEST, CLASS OF 2023

If you haven’t heard ERNEST’s voice, you’ve heard his songs—a bona-fide hitmaker, the Nashville native has written tracks for Morgan Wallen, Sam Hunt, Jake Owen, and more. But beyond his skills with a pen, he’s a star in his own right, with his breakout hit “Flower Shops” amassing an impressive number of streams. His new LP Deep Blue drops May 1, and the tropical single “Lorelei” is already our song of the summer.

MEGAN MORONEY, CLASS OF 2023

Before she was CMA’s Best New Artist in 2024, she was in the Opry NextStage Class of 2023. Emo cowgirl Megan Moroney burst onto the scene with 2x platinum “Tennessee Orange,” and her record-shattering rise to the top only continued from there. With sold-out headlining tours, festival sets, and a shelf of awards, she’s a true phenomenon…and she’s not slowing down. Her third studio album Cloud 9 is out now, and you can catch her on tour this summer.

 

KAMERON MARLOWE, CLASS OF 2023

From Team Blake on The Voice, to house musician at Ole Red in downtown Nashville, to Opry NextStage artist, to headlining a sold-out show at the historic Ryman Auditorium, Kameron Marlowe’s rise to the top has been a fun ride to watch. He’s out on tour now, and his latest single “No Need For Leavin’” just dropped. We can’t wait to see what else he has up his sleeve.  

 

BRELAND, CLASS OF 2022

BRELAND has built a name on his original style that pushes the boundaries of what country music can be. With more than 150 million streams and several top-name collaborations under his belt, BRELAND continues to expand his creativity. He’s made a buzz around his upcoming BRELAND & Friends show at the iconic Ryman Auditorium, and he’s keeping fans on their toes with new music like “In My Truck,” a remix inspired by 50 Cents “In Da Club.”

 

LAINEY WILSON, CLASS OF 2021

With nine CMAs (including two Entertainer of the Year awards), 16 ACMs, and a GRAMMY to her name, Lainey Wilson’s country music career is nothing short of spectacular, and she’s only getting started. She’s headlined tours, shattered charts, starred in TV and Movie roles, and hosted award shows. But before all that, she was a nine-year-old girl with a dream. Her desire to become a performer began in the audience at an Opry show. Now, her name proudly hangs on the Opry member wall. You can follow her journey in Lainey Wilson: Keepin’ Country Cool, a Netflix documentary set to air this April.

 

THERE’S MORE WHERE THAT CAME FROM.

This Opry stage is where up-and-comers become legends, where one performance can launch a lifelong career, and where country music’s past, present, and future come together. Based on the members of Opry NextStage Class of 2026, the future sure looks bright. Check them out, come see them hit the stage, and take note—you’re about to see them everywhere.