BY LANE VAUGHN

An Opry debut is an exciting milestone many artists call one of the highlights of their careers. The circle of wood on the Opry stage, taken from the Ryman, connects the past, present, and future of county music, and stepping into if for the first time can feel like something sacred.

Whether it’s a genre-crossing artist like Ringo Starr or Sabrina Carpenter, or a rising country newcomer like Lanie Gardner or Hudson Westbrook, every Opry debut is special. So, sometimes, we like to make the invitation special, too.

Take a look at the moments these up-and-comers received their invitations, and mark your calendars to witness one of these milestone moments for yourself.

SEE CALENDAR

 

JORDAN MCCULLOUGH TAKES A SURPRISE TRIP 

While filming his hometown visit, American Idol finalist Jordan McCullough took a surprise trip—while blindfolded—to the Grand Ole Opry. After taking off the blindfold LIVE on the Opry stage, WSM Radio host and Opry announcer Kelly Sutton invited him to make his Opry debut on June 18, 2026.

 

 

TORI KELLY DEBUTS THE SAME NIGHT AS IDOL FINALIST

After her showstopping performance with Jordan McCullough on the American Idol Grand Finale, standout artist and Idol mentor Tori Kelly ALSO made her Opry debut! This multiple GRAMMY, Billboard, and BET Award-winning vocalist performed alongside Jordan on June 18, 2026.

 

 

ADRIEN NUNEZ JOINS RUSSELL DICKERSON ON STAGE IN NASHVILLE

During Russell Dickerson’s show at Ascend Federal Credit Union Amphitheater, up-and-coming singer-songwriter Adrien Nunez joined him on stage. It was a double-fake setup: Nunez thought he was suprising Dickerson with a rendition of “Happy Birthday,” but Dickerson had a bigger surprise in store for Nunez... an invite to make his debut on June 17, 2026.

 

 

CARLISLE WRIGHT GETS A CALL FROM HER UNCLE ALAN JACKSON

After a successful week at CMA Fest, Carlisle Wright got a call from her “Uncle Hat,” Opry member Alan Jackson. On the same day as his 35^th Opry Anniversary, he invited his niece to make her Opry debut—and she promised to “keep it country” for him. She joined the lineup on June 28, 2026 as the Opry celebrated '90s country music, continuing her family legacy.

 

 

OPRY NEXTSTAGE ALUM WYATT FLORES INVITES WAYLON WYATT

While rising artist Waylon Wyatt was performing on the Chevy Riverfront Stage at CMA Fest, Opry NextStage alum Wyatt Flores joined him onstage. He told the crowd how proud he was of Waylon…and asked him if he was free July 22, 2026. (Spoiler alert...he was.) 

 

VINCE GILL (“VINNY G”) INVITES BENNY G. OVER THE PHONE

Long Island-based rising star Benny G. picked up the phone thinking it was just a regular interview…turns out his hero, Vince Gill (or “Vinny G.”) had an important question for him. Benny stepped into the circle on April 18, 2026, with Vinny by his side.

 

MAGGIE ROSE INVITES LANDON BRYANT

Comedian and digital entertainer Landon Bryant, better known as @landontalks, is known for his Southern stories and quick-witted takes on country life. Opry performer Maggie Rose invited him to join her on the lineup, continuing the Opry’s long-standing Comedy tradition. In his post, Landon said, “The Opry was never on my list of dreams because I didn’t know it was a dream I could have. I can’t wait to step into that circle.”

 

TYLER HUBBARD SENDS A VIDEO MESSAGE TO OWEN RIEGLING 

As he prepared to take the stage in downtown Nashville, Canadian country artist Owen Riegling was surprised by a video message from Tyler Hubbard, whom he toured with in 2023. Hubbard congratulated him on his rising success and invited him to make his Grand Ole Opry debut, as friends, family, and fans looked on proudly. Owen's journey from small town Canada led him right to country music's biggest stage, making his debut on April 22, 2026.

 

MARTY STUART INVITES WYATT MCCUBBIN

“You’re my favorite person I’ve ever written with…period.” Just after Marty Stuart said these words, he invited hitmaker Wyatt McCubbin to bring his songs to the circle. The comments were flooded with congratulations from artists like Lainey Wilson, Emily Ann Roberts, Jake Worthington, and more—many of whom McCubbin has written with. Named a Top 100 Songwriter by Music Row Magazine in 2024 and 2025, he brought his hits to the stage on May 12, 2026, with his friend Marty right there on stage with him. 

LUKE BRYAN INVITES ZACH JOHN KING

Proclaiming himself as the “deliverer of good news,” Luke Bryan surprised his tour opener Zach John King with an invitation to play the Opry. “This one’s for my grandad,” King said in the comments. While his debut was originally scheduled for January, Nashville’s unexpected winter weather had other plans. His new Opry debut date was May 23, 2026, and his whole family was there to see him step into the circle for the first time.

 

HARDY HAS A BIRTHDAY SURPRISE FOR MCCOY MOORE

In front of a sold-out Knoxville crowd, Hardy brought the up-and-comer out onstage to celebrate his 25^th birthday. What McCoy didn’t know was that Hardy had a special birthday present up his sleeve – an invitation to play the Opry. The post was met with support from other young artists and songwriters including Wyatt McCubbin. Grab the tissues for this one!

 

LAINEY WILSON INVITES TRANNIE ANDERSON WITH A SONG

Hit songwriter Trannie Anderson—known for penning tracks like “Heart Like a Truck” and “Whirlwind” with Lainey Wilson—made her Opry debut earlier this year (at 8 months pregnant!)  On the road, Lainey picked up a guitar during a writing session and sang, “We are all so proud of you / Trannie, you’re making your Opry debut.”

Just a week earlier, on a visit to the Opry, Trannie had said, “Someday I’m going to play here.” Her Opry debut dream came true on January 17, and just a few weeks later, on February 6, her son Archer made his debut into the world. Watch the recap of her unforgettable night.