Chris Janson Receives Surprise Opry Invitation From Keith Urban During Ryman Show

Photos by Chris Hollo for the Grand Ole Opry

Chris Janson was surprised during his sold-out Ryman Auditorium concert last night by Keith Urban with an invitation to become an official Grand Ole Opry member. Fellow Opry member Urban then gave the Ryman audience a surprise by performing alongside Janson on the John Michael Montgomery hit “Sold,” a tune the two had collaborated on on the Opry stage last year.

“Over the course of more than 100 appearances since his Opry debut in 2013, Chris has become a favorite of Opry fans and fellow performers alike,” said Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “It’s been amazing to watch him bring audiences to their feet night after night. He is so passionate about the Opry, including its rich history, the camaraderie it builds between generations of fans and artists, and its place in country music’s future. We could not be more thrilled to officially welcome him later this spring.”

“The Opry is where my heart is,” said Janson about the momentous evening and invitation. “I could probably die if I never got to do anything else.” 

Janson’s next Opry appearance is slated for February 20, and his formal Opry induction will be scheduled for later this Spring.

(L-R): Steve Buchanan (President, Opry Entertainment Group), Chris, Sally Williams (General Manager, Grand Ole Opry / Sr. Vice President, Programming & Artist Relations, Opry Entertainment), Keith, John Esposito- Chairman & CEO Warner Music Nashville

[fbcomments count="off" num="3" countmsg="Comments" width="100%"]
Follow MusicRow on Twitter

Category: Artist, Featured

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