Opry 100: Introducing 100 new artists, honoring legends, and a debut international show

In 2025, the Grand Ole Opry, one of the most iconic institutions in American music, will celebrate a milestone like no other—its 100th anniversary. Known as the heart and soul of country music, the Opry has been a launching pad for countless artists and a home for legendary performers. As it turns 100, the Opry is embarking on an ambitious year-long celebration that will not only honor its storied past but also introduce the future of country music with the theme “Opry 100.” This celebration will include the introduction of 100 new artists, tributes to country music legends, and an exciting first: the Grand Ole Opry’s debut international show.

The Grand Ole Opry: A Century of Tradition

Since its founding in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has been more than just a radio show—it’s been a cultural cornerstone for country music fans around the world. Broadcasting weekly from Nashville, Tennessee, the Opry has earned its reputation as “the show that made country music famous,” with performances by everyone from Hank Williams and Johnny Cash to Dolly Parton and Garth Brooks. It’s where legends are made, and where rising stars get the chance to shine in front of the genre’s most dedicated fans.

As the Opry approaches its 100th birthday, the year-long celebration will pay homage to the traditions that have kept the institution alive for a century. However, it will also look to the future, ensuring that the Opry remains relevant and accessible to new generations of country music lovers.

Introducing 100 New Artists: The Future of Country Music

At the heart of the Opry 100 celebration is its commitment to the future of country music. Over the course of 2025, the Opry will introduce 100 new artists, offering a platform for emerging talent to showcase their music on the legendary stage. This ambitious initiative reflects the Opry’s long-standing tradition of nurturing young artists and fostering the next generation of country music stars.

The selection of these 100 artists will be a diverse mix of traditional country singers, singer-songwriters, and genre-bending musicians who incorporate elements of rock, pop, folk, and even hip-hop into their sound. This reflects the broader trend in modern country music, where boundaries are increasingly blurred, and artists are drawing from a wide range of influences to create something fresh and unique.

These newcomers will have the opportunity to perform in front of a live audience at the Opry, following in the footsteps of country legends. Each artist will bring their own style and sound, representing the evolving landscape of country music in the 21st century. For many of these artists, performing at the Opry is a career-defining moment, offering them exposure to a global audience.

The introduction of 100 new artists is not just about discovering the next big star. It’s about celebrating the diversity and creativity that exists within the genre today. Country music, once known for its strict adherence to traditional themes and sounds, has grown to encompass a wide array of stories, perspectives, and sonic experimentation. With Opry 100, the Grand Ole Opry will demonstrate that country music is alive, dynamic, and more inclusive than ever before.

Honoring the Legends: A Look Back at the Icons of the Opry

While the future of country music will be on full display, Opry 100 will also pay tribute to the legends who helped define the genre. Throughout the year, the Opry will host special performances and tribute shows dedicated to the icons of country music—many of whom made their mark on the Opry stage.

The Opry will honor artists such as Hank Williams, who brought a raw and emotional depth to country music, and Johnny Cash, whose rebellious spirit and crossover appeal helped expand the genre’s reach. The contributions of Patsy Cline, Loretta Lynn, and Dolly Parton will also be celebrated, recognizing the pivotal role these women played in shaping country music’s history.

In addition to individual tributes, the Opry will also celebrate its unique traditions, such as the “circle”—the six-foot circle of wood cut from the Ryman Auditorium stage, which is placed at center stage at the Opry House. The circle is where artists stand to perform, and it represents the continuity of country music’s past, present, and future. During Opry 100, this circle will be a focal point, reminding audiences of the history and heritage that each performer steps into when they take the stage.

The Debut International Show: The Opry Goes Global

One of the most exciting aspects of Opry 100 is the Grand Ole Opry’s debut international show. For the first time in its history, the Opry will take its legendary stage show outside of the United States. This move reflects the growing global influence of country music and the increasing popularity of the genre in countries far beyond American borders.

Country music’s international appeal has been growing steadily over the past few decades. From Australia, with its thriving country music scene in places like Tamworth, to the United Kingdom, where country festivals like Country to Country (C2C) attract thousands of fans, country music is no longer seen as a purely American phenomenon. Countries in Europe and Asia have also embraced the genre, with a growing number of country artists touring internationally and connecting with fans across the globe.

The Opry’s debut international show will likely take place in one of these regions, marking a significant milestone for the institution and for country music as a whole. It’s a chance to share the magic of the Opry with fans who may have only experienced it through recordings or online broadcasts. By taking the Opry global, the event will not only bring a piece of Nashville to international audiences but also foster cross-cultural connections within the genre.

The international show is expected to feature a mix of Opry legends, rising stars, and international country artists, highlighting the global diversity within the country music community. It will serve as a celebration of the genre’s worldwide appeal and a testament to the enduring power of the Opry to unite country music fans, no matter where they are.

A Year of Celebration: Looking to the Future

Opry 100 promises to be one of the most exciting and memorable years in the Grand Ole Opry’s long history. By introducing 100 new artists, honoring the legends of the past, and debuting an international show, the Opry is cementing its place as both a guardian of tradition and a forward-looking institution.

The year-long celebration will not only pay tribute to the past 100 years of country music but also set the stage for the next century. It’s a reminder that while the genre continues to evolve and adapt to the changing times, its roots run deep—and the Opry will always be there, standing at the crossroads of country music’s history and future.

For fans of the Opry, Opry 100 is more than just a milestone. It’s an invitation to celebrate a shared love of country music, to discover new voices, and to honor the legends who have made the genre what it is today. Whether you’re a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the Opry, the centennial celebration offers something for everyone—an unforgettable celebration of music, tradition, and the bright future ahead.