Scotty McCreery was officially welcomed as the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday evening (April 20). The multi-platinum country superstar was inducted into the Opry family by his musical hero and fellow Grand Ole Opry member, Josh Turner, alongside special guest Country Music Hall of Famer and Grand Ole Opry member Randy Travis.
Josh Turner And Randy Travis Inducted Scotty McCreery Into Opry Family
Before Turner and Travis made their way onto the stage for the singer/songwriter’s Opry induction, McCreery performed two songs from his upcoming new album, Rise And Fall, including his Top 5 and climbing single, “Cab In A Solo,” and “Fall of Summer.” He also delivered an unforgettable rendition of Randy Travis’ iconic hit, “Three Wooden Crosses,” a cover many fans said was one of the best versions of the song they’ve ever heard.
Josh Turner and Randy Travis then took to the stage to present McCreery with his official Opry Member Award.
“Tonight is obviously a very special night from my friend Scotty McCreery,” Turner said in a heartfelt speech. “As we stand on or near this circle of wood here on the Opry stage that was brought from the historic Hyman Auditorium, I’m reminded of the Carter Family Classic ‘Will The Circle Be Unbroken,’ which is a symbolic song that has been sung on the Opry stage that more times than we can count, it symbolizes the passing down of culture, language, and traditions to the next generation.”
“I stand here tonight proud of the fact that I bridged the gap between the generation of Randy Travis and Scotty McCreery,” Turner continued, “Only time will tell who will be inspired by Scotty.”
Turner went on to share the chorus of the George Jones classic hit, “Who’s Gonna Fill Their Shoes,” before adding, “Scotty is not only a fine singer and a songwriter, but he’s a great man, husband, and now father. I’m proud of him, and I’m proud that he is filling the shoes of the artists before him. With artists like him, country music is in great shape.”
“Scotty, It’s my distinct honor to say congratulations on officially becoming the newest member of the world-famous home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry,” an emotional Turner said as he handed McCreery the award and microphone to reflect on the prestigious honor.
Scotty McCreery Humbly Speaks After Being Inducted As Newest Member Of Grand Ole Opry
McCreery paused for a moment as he admired the Grand Ole Opry trophy in his hand before showcasing his gratitude for the honor.
“Thank you, Josh. I’m wishing I wrote a speech right now, actually, Y’all this night is just, it’s unbelievable. It really is,” McCreery admitted. “If you’ve listened to any of my interviews over the last 13 years of doing this, they’d say, ‘what is your biggest goal in doing any of this?’ and I’d always say, ‘One day I wanna be a member of the Grand Ole Opry,’” McCreery continued. “I gotta go home and start writing a new bucket list.”
He then shouted out his family, who were in attended in the crowd, including his wife Gabi and their 18-month-old son, Avery.
“He might not understand tonight, but one day I’ll be able to tell him, ‘Hey buddy, this was your daddy’s dream, and it came true,’” McCreery added while holding back tears. “So, I’ll tell him to go chase him dreams as well as one day it’ll come true for you, buddy.” McCreery concluded, “Thank y’all so much. I love you, and I’m so proud to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
The 30-year-old North Carolina native went on to deliver his first performance of “Five More Minutes” as an official member of the Opry. “This is an honor, this is humbling, and this is a responsibility to carry on the torch of country music in the tradition of the Grand Ole Opry. So I will do my best to hold up my end of the bargain,” McCreery said before going into the performance.
McCreery was invited to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry in December of 2023 by country music icon Garth Brooks.
Additionally, Scotty McCreery will return to the Grand Ole Opry stage on May 11, just one day after the release of his new album, Rise And Fall. The first 400 ticketholders to purchase McCreery’s fifth studio album in the Opry Shop that evening will receive exclusive entry to a special album release event and intimate acoustic session with the North Carolina native following the Opry performance in Studio A inside the Opry House.
