Lainey Wilson’s journey in country music just hit an unforgettable milestone—she’s officially joining the Grand Ole Opry.

On May 21, 2024, during the season 25 finale of The Voice, Wilson took the stage to perform her latest single, “Hang Tight Honey.” But what started as a routine performance quickly turned into a moment she’ll cherish forever.

As the final notes faded, host Carson Daly handed the mic to Reba McEntire, who was there to share a few words. Reba, full of admiration, praised Lainey for her talent and hard work. Wilson, in awe, playfully responded, “Just when I think you can’t get any cooler.”

Little did she know, Reba was about to make her dream come true.

“I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night,” Reba said. “And I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”

The moment hit Lainey like a wave. Overcome with emotion, she clutched her chest in disbelief as the audience erupted in cheers. Her family, watching from the crowd, witnessed firsthand the culmination of a dream that started when Lainey was just a little girl.

“They took me to Nashville when I was 9 years old, and we went to the Grand Ole Opry,” Lainey recalled. “We saw Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle, and Little Jimmy Dickens, and I knew right then—I wanted to play there. I wanted to be part of that legacy.”

Turning to Reba, she added, “And it’s so crazy that YOU are the one asking me. I look up to you so much—not just musically, but in the way you carry yourself, your work ethic. You inspire me every day.”

With those words, one country queen passed the torch to another, proving once again that dreams really do come true on the Opry stage.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122143221158471340&set=a.122119902284471340

ridgestone Arena was electric as Carrie Underwood took center ice to deliver a stunning rendition of The Star-Spangled Banner before Game 3 of the Stanley Cup Playoffs between the Nashville Predators and the Chicago Blackhawks. With her powerhouse vocals and deep connection to the city—especially as the wife of Predators captain Mike Fisher—Underwood’s performance wasn’t just a routine pre-game tradition. It was a moment of unity, pride, and pure adrenaline for Nashville fans.

As she hit every note with flawless precision and raw emotion, the crowd erupted, setting the stage for an unforgettable night of hockey. The energy in the arena was electric, with players and fans alike feeding off the intensity of her performance. Underwood didn’t just sing the anthem—she owned the moment, making it one of the most memorable in Predators history.

Whether you’re a die-hard hockey fan, a country music lover, or just someone who appreciates a breathtaking performance, this was a goosebump-worthy moment that Nashville won’t forget anytime

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122142811382471340&set=a.122119902284471340

It’s hard to imagine anyone cheating on Lainey Wilson, but that’s exactly what happened to her a few years ago. In a candid conversation on Joel Madden’s Artist Friendly podcast, the “Hang Tight Honey” singer shared how she went through a painful betrayal before finding happiness with her current love, former NFL star Devlin “Duck” Hodges.

Wilson and Hodges have been together for several years but kept their relationship private until 2023. Even now, they prefer to keep things low-key, occasionally attending events as a couple and sharing glimpses of their love on social media.

One of those rare glimpses came in October when Wilson posted a heartwarming video of her and Hodges cruising in a side-by-side, set to the tune of her love song “4x4xU.” Their playful chemistry and effortless joy were on full display, giving fans a sweet peek into their love story.

Before finding love with Hodges, Wilson endured one of the toughest times of her life. During her early days in Nashville, she discovered that her then-boyfriend had cheated on her—and not just with anyone, but with someone he had gotten pregnant.

To make matters worse, this heartbreak hit at the same time she lost her mentor and family friend, Jerry Cupit. Cupit was a guiding force in Wilson’s career, letting her live in a camper outside his studio and co-writing hundreds of songs with her. Losing him and facing betrayal all at once left her reeling.

Despite the pain, Wilson turned her struggles into fuel for her music. Today, she’s one of country music’s biggest stars and gets to share her success with someone who truly loves her.

Through it all, she’s learned that sometimes, the hardest moments in life pave the way for the best ones.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122142802184471340&set=a.122119902284471340

Back in 2010, country legends Vince Gill and Brad Paisley picked up their guitars and delivered a fiery tribute to Merle Haggard at the Kennedy Center Honors. Their high-energy performance of “Workin’ Man Blues” had the crowd buzzing, proving once again why Haggard’s music is timeless.

Dressed in sharp black-tie attire—a stark contrast to the blue-collar spirit of Haggard’s 1969 classic—Gill and Paisley tore through the song with electrifying guitar solos and undeniable chemistry. As the final note rang out, the man of the hour himself tipped his iconic black cowboy hat in appreciation.

The 2010 ceremony wasn’t just about “Workin’ Man Blues.” Other country stars paid homage to Haggard’s legendary career.

Reflecting on the night, Haggard summed it up perfectly: “It’s the ultimate… It couldn’t be topped.” He also had a little fun with Paisley and Gill’s dynamic, joking, “I enjoyed watching Vince give Brad a lesson—he took a course on ‘Workin’ Man Blues.’ But Brad is so hot and so good.”

The Kennedy Center Honors have long recognized legends across music, theater, dance, and film. Haggard joined a prestigious list of country icons like Johnny Cash, Willie Nelson, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton. And thanks to performances like this, his influence continues to live on.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122142245006471340&set=a.122119902284471340

Country superstar Luke Bryan gave 13-year-old Make-A-Wish kid Ethan Payne a night he’ll never forget when he invited him to perform a duet in front of 50,000 fans at AT&T Stadium. The surprise moment happened after Ethan wowed Bryan by playing one of his songs during a pre-show meet-and-greet in Arlington, Texas.

Impressed by the young musician’s talent, Bryan made a spontaneous decision: “Would you like to sing that song in front of 50,000 people tonight?” Ethan’s answer? A resounding “Yes, sir.” That night, the two took the stage together, each with an acoustic guitar in hand, performing Bryan’s hits “Do I” and “Here’s to the Farmer.” Ethan shined, taking the lead on “Do I” while Bryan backed him up. The heartfelt performance was later shared by Make-A-Wish North Texas on YouTube, racking up an incredible 3.8 million views.

Ethan’s journey with music is even more inspiring considering his battle with cystic fibrosis, a diagnosis he received at just 18 months old. When he turned 13, he made a wish to meet his favorite singer—and ended up with so much more.

But the story doesn’t end there. A couple of years later, as a 15-year-old, Ethan walked into an American Idol audition room, where none other than Luke Bryan was a judge. Recognizing the young talent, Bryan couldn’t resist recreating their viral duet. Reflecting on their first performance together, Ethan shared, “I felt like the whole world had just shut down, and it was just me and him. My heart exploded. And then he gave me his guitar that he’s had for years.”

That same guitar made its way to Ethan’s American Idol audition, where he showcased just how much he had grown as a musician. His charm was on full display too—before singing, he flirted with judge Katy Perry, prompting her to say, “Ethan, you are 15 going on 30.” With a grin, he replied, “They always said I had an old soul.”

From a Make-A-Wish dream to a viral stadium performance and a national TV audition, Ethan’s journey is proof that music—and a little kindness—can truly change lives.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122142242612471340&set=a.122119902284471340

Jason Aldean captivated the crowd with a heartfelt performance of “Love in the First Degree” during CMT Giants: Alabama, a tribute event celebrating the legendary country band Alabama. His rendition of the 1981 hit showed off his signature vocal style, blending his energy with the timeless country charm of the original song.

“Love in the First Degree,” with its smooth harmonies and a story of love and devotion, became one of Alabama’s biggest hits and is still a fan favorite today. By covering this classic, Aldean not only paid tribute to the band’s groundbreaking influence on country music but also connected with the deep-rooted traditions they helped shape.

Known for songs like “Dirt Road Anthem” and “Burnin’ It Down,” Aldean brought his distinctive gravelly voice to the performance, adding a modern edge to the familiar tune. Dressed in classic country attire, he captured the essence of Alabama’s era while infusing his own flair, leaving the audience cheering and praising his take on the song.

The CMT Giants tribute event included performances from stars like Carrie Underwood, Kenny Chesney, and Luke Bryan, but Aldean’s performance of “Love in the First Degree” truly stood out. His deep admiration for Alabama was evident as he shared how the band’s music inspired his own journey in country music, making his performance all the more meaningful.

Overall, Jason Aldean’s version of “Love in the First Degree” was a beautiful nod to Alabama’s lasting impact on country music. It perfectly blended nostalgia with a modern twist, cementing Aldean’s place in the country music world while honoring one of the genre’s most iconic bands.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122144452466551243&set=a.122100317048551243

At the 2021 GMA Dove Awards, Lauren Daigle captivated the audience with soul-stirring performances of “Be Okay” and “Hold On to Me.” With her signature rich vocals and heartfelt delivery, she created a truly unforgettable moment, filling the venue with warmth, hope, and inspiration.

Kicking off with “Be Okay,” Daigle’s soothing voice reassured listeners with a message of comfort and perseverance. The soft, golden stage lighting enhanced the song’s intimate feel, making it feel like a personal conversation between the artist and her audience. Her delivery was both powerful and tender, reminding everyone that no matter the challenges, brighter days lie ahead.

Seamlessly transitioning into “Hold On to Me,” Daigle poured raw emotion into every note. Stripped-down instrumentals allowed her voice to take center stage, making the lyrics even more poignant. The room fell silent, completely absorbed in the moment, before erupting into applause at the song’s end.

The standing ovation from fans and fellow artists alike was a testament to Daigle’s extraordinary ability to connect through music. As one of the most influential voices in contemporary Christian music, she continues to bridge the gap between gospel roots and modern sound, touching hearts with every performance.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122209984112211548&set=a.122098079570211548

In a world filled with chaos and uncertainty, music has a way of offering comfort—and that’s exactly what Lauren Daigle did with her breathtaking performance of Hold On to Me on The Voice finale. From the moment she stepped onto the stage, it was clear that something truly special was about to unfold. With a voice that carries both strength and vulnerability, Daigle turned the stage into a sanctuary of hope, delivering a performance that felt like a warm embrace for the soul.

As the first soft notes filled the air, the audience fell silent, completely captivated. The stage was bathed in golden light, creating an intimate atmosphere that perfectly matched the song’s message of love, faith, and resilience. Unlike the high-energy performances often seen on The Voice, this one was raw, real, and deeply personal.

The stripped-down arrangement allowed Daigle’s unmistakable vocals to shine, blending tenderness with conviction. She didn’t just sing the words—she lived them, drawing in every listener with the emotion in her voice. Each note carried the weight of experience and faith, making it impossible not to feel the depth of her message.

By the time she reached the chorus, the connection between Daigle and the audience was undeniable. Many swayed gently, some wiped away tears, and others simply closed their eyes, letting the music speak directly to their hearts. It wasn’t just a performance; it was a moment of shared emotion—one that reminded everyone of the power of perseverance and belief.

What sets Daigle apart is her rare authenticity. She doesn’t just perform—she connects. In Hold On to Me, she sings about longing for support in life’s hardest moments, and in that moment on stage, she became the voice of reassurance. Her presence and voice served as a reminder that no one is ever truly alone.

As the final note faded, a hush fell over the theater, as if no one wanted to break the sacredness of what had just transpired. Then, thunderous applause erupted, with a standing ovation from both the audience and the judges. Faces were filled with emotion, proof of the impact Daigle had left behind.

In an industry where spectacle often overshadows sincerity, Lauren Daigle proves that true power lies in simplicity, honesty, and connection. Her performance of Hold On to Me wasn’t just a song—it was a moment of hope, a beacon of light in a world that often feels dark.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122174448518267732&set=a.122136724316267732

2024 has been nothing short of amazing for Lainey Wilson! From taking home a Grammy and multiple ACM, CMA, and People’s Choice Awards to opening her own bell-bottom-themed bar and rocking the Dallas Cowboys Thanksgiving Halftime Show, she’s been on fire.

Now, she’s ending the year in style with one final show—“Wildflowers and Wild Horses”—this Saturday, December 14, at MGM Grand in Las Vegas, sponsored by T-Mobile.

Reflecting on her whirlwind journey, Lainey shared, “It feels like all the hard work is finally paying off. One door keeps opening after another, and the blessings keep on flowing.”

Beyond music, she’s also made waves in the TV world, returning as Abby in Yellowstone’s Season 5 finale. Looking back on her experience, she’s grateful for the opportunities that pushed her outside her comfort zone, saying, “I love stepping outside the box and trying new things—it’s all about embracing the unknown.”

As the holidays approach, Lainey is looking forward to quality time with family in Louisiana, welcoming a new nephew, and, of course, rocking her signature bell bottoms—as long as they stretch!

With 2025 on the horizon, one thing’s for sure: more music, more surprises, and more Lainey Wilson magic. Who’s ready for what’s next?

View this post on Instagram

A post shared by Lainey Wilson (@laineywilson)

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122140537832471340&set=a.122119902284471340

Dolly Parton and Lainey Wilson joined forces for a breathtaking rendition of the classic ballad “I Will Always Love You,” leaving the audience in awe with their heartfelt performance.

This powerful duet showcased not only their incredible vocal talents but also the deep emotional connection they share with the song. Originally written and recorded by Parton in 1973 as a farewell to her mentor Porter Wagoner, the song has remained one of the most beloved pieces in music history. While Whitney Houston’s 1992 version introduced it to a global audience, Dolly’s original remains a cornerstone of country music.

Taking the stage together, Parton and Wilson honored the song’s legacy while infusing it with fresh energy. At 78, Dolly’s voice still carried the tenderness and wisdom of a lifetime, drawing listeners into every lyric. Wilson, one of country music’s brightest rising stars, complemented her with a rich, soulful tone that added a contemporary touch while staying true to the song’s roots.

The chemistry between them was undeniable—Wilson’s admiration for Dolly was clear, and Parton’s warmth and generosity allowed Wilson to shine alongside her. As their harmonies blended seamlessly, the crowd was visibly moved, many wiping away tears as the final notes echoed through the venue.

This duet was more than just a performance; it was a bridge between generations of country music. Dolly Parton, a true legend, stood beside Lainey Wilson, a rising star who is helping shape the future of the genre. Together, they proved that great music transcends time, and “I Will Always Love You” remains as powerful as ever.

https://www.facebook.com/photo/?fbid=122174624390267732&set=a.122136724316267732