Pictured (L-R): Sally Williams, General Manager, Grand Ole Opry / Sr. Vice President, Programming & Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment; Carrie Underwood; Steve Buchanan, President/Opry Entertainment Group. Photo: Chris Hollo for Grand Ole Opry
Carrie Underwood celebrated her 100th performance on the Grand Ole Opry this past weekend with four sold-out shows. Connie Smith introduced Underwood on Saturday’s (March 25) first show and presented her fellow Opry member with a commemorative print and a rose bouquet in celebration of 100 Opry appearances. She was also surprised by the Opry with 100 pink roses backstage in her dressing room and a specially-decorated cake from Nashville’s IveyCake.
“Opry fans, all of us Opry members, and the entire Opry family are excited when you come home to the Opry stage,” said Smith to Underwood. “Even when you’ve been on the road more than 200 days a year, you’ve always come back to the Opry. That tells me you love us, and we love you right back.”
Underwood made her Opry debut on June 10, 2005, less than two weeks after winning American Idol, and became an official Opry member in 2008. Her love for the Opry started as a child, as she grew up watching and listening to the show, hoping one day she’d perform on the famous stage.
About the Author
Hollabaugh, a staff writer at MusicRow magazine, has over 20 years of music business experience and has written for publications including American Profile, CMA Close Up, Nashville Arts And Entertainment, The Boot and Country Weekly. She has a Broadcast Journalism and Speech Communication degree from Texas Christian University, (go Horned Frogs), and welcomes your feedback or story ideas at lhollabaugh@musicrow.com.View Author Profile
