Ashley McBryde opened up about her unforgettable performance alongside Post Malone at Opry 100: A Live Celebration. McBryde and Post Malone took the stage on Wednesday night (Mar. 19) to honor country music icons, Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash, with a powerful rendition of their 1967 duet, “Jackson.”
Post Malone Stepped In For Jelly Roll At The Last Minute
The unexpected collaboration came together just hours before showtime after Jelly Roll, who was originally set to perform with McBryde, had to cancel due to a sudden illness.
“Hours before we were supposed to take the stage, I learned that, unfortunately, Jelly Roll wasn’t able to join me for ‘Jackson,’ but then RAC [the show’s producer] comes in and says that their friend Austin is going to sing it with me instead,” McBryde explained. “I was like, ‘Oh, I wonder who Austin is…’ It took me a second, and then I said, ‘OH!’ It immediately hits me who he’s talking about, which was such a nice surprise.”
One Quick Backstage Rehearsal Before Showtime
The last minute change of plans didn’t leave much time to rehearse. In fact, Ashley McBryde and Post Malone met briefly backstage ahead of the performance and ran through the song one time before having to perform it live on television.
“RAC asked me if I wanted to go meet Austin, and so I walked outside my room, gave him a big hug and said, “I love how this is how we become friends.” I still had to finish my makeup and hair so while Dayna [stylist] was wrapping up, they brought him in with his guitar, and we just got right into singing it. We sang it together one time, and he said, ‘Okay, I’ll see you on stage!’” she continued. “The next time I saw him was when one of the Opry stage managers called our names to pre-set for “Jackson.” With permission, of course, I asked Austin if when sang “…you turn-a-loose-a my coat” if I could grab on his coat. Without hesitation, he said, ‘Green lights, green lights…you’re welcome to do more than that!’”
A Last Minute Change That Led To Magic For Post Malone and Ashley McBryde
Despite having only one quick run-through of the track just minutes before showtime, the pair took the stage and blew viewers away with their stunning rendition of the Johnny Cash and June Carter Cash classic, which became one of the most talked-about moments of the Opry 100 celebration.
“Singing that iconic song is what it’s all about, really. It’s the best night of music I’ve been a part of… ever. We became friends, standing in the most sacred circle that exists in country music. Last night is the reason I moved to this town,” McBryde added.
Teased Potential Collaboration In The Future
Ashley McBryde and Post Malone instantly hit it off and “became friends in the coolest possible way,” and McBryde hinted that this may not be the last time that they team up.
“I’m grateful to have experienced that moment. I would absolutely love to collaborate with him. We clicked right away on stage, and I have a feeling there will be more of that,” McBryde concluded while chatting with Music Mayhem.
Opry 100: A Live Celebration
Additionally, Ashley McBryde also delivered an emotional performance of “Girl Goin’ Nowhere” alongside Terri Clark. During their performance, they honored the women of country music, including Reba McEntire, Emmylou Harris, Lauren Alaina, Trisha Yearwood, Crystal Gayle, Barbara Mandrell, Dolly Parton and more. The touching performance brought many in attendance to tears.
McBryde’s performances with Post Malone and Terri Clark were part of the star-studded Opry 100 Celebration, which also featured appearances from Alan Jackson, Alison Krauss & Union Station, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Jamey Johnson, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Scotty McCreery, Jeannie Seely, Lauren Alaina, Sara Evans, Ricky Skaggs, Steven Curtis Chapman, Bill Anderson, Chris Janson, Dustin Lynch, Trace Adkins, Travis Tritt, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill and more.
Hosted by Blake Shelton, the Opry 100: A Live Celebration aired live on Wednesday, March 19 from 8-10 PM EST via NBC.
