Carrie Underwood is the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry. The American Idol winner joined the cast of the country music show on Saturday, May 10, during an induction ceremony. Artists are invited to join based on their commitment to the show, as measured by the frequency of their guest appearances, and their overall contribution to country music.
Garth Brooks, a fellow Oklahoman, presented her with the 14 inch bronze Opry microphone stand award and said:
Nothing will last as long or be as important as this award right here. Being around you five minutes, I can see you get it. In coming from Oklahoma, I know you’re sharp as a wit.
The 25 year old country singer has sold 7 million copies of her Some Hearts album, with her singles Before He Cheats and Jesus, Take the Wheel. Underwood’s follow up album Carnival Ride has also produced two hit singles So Small and All-American Girl.
Fighting back tears, Underwood said:
This really seems like a great family to be part of. I promise I’ll do everything I possibly can to not make you regret it.”
Underwood joins the ranks of the upper echelon of country performers, including recent inductees Brad Paisley, Josh Turner and Dierks Bentley.
The Opry, established in 1925, is the longest continuously running radio show in the country, airing every Friday and Saturday night on WSM-AM.
Underwood was performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage in March when Randy Travis surprised her on stage with the news that she would be inducted as the newest member in May. See her emotional response on the first video and the actual induction ceremony on the second video below.
Induction ceremony