Rising superstar Lainey Wilson has been tapped to host the third annual “Opry NextStage Live.” The show, set to premiere on December 6 from the iconic Opry House, will feature performances from the NextStage Class of 2023.
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Among the class are Ashley Cooke, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent, ERNEST, Jackson Dean, and Kameron Marlowe. Wilson herself is a NextStage alum, having been included in the lineup in 2021.
“Opry NextStage holds a special place in my heart because it’s all about giving talented, emerging artists the spotlight they deserve,” said Wilson in a statement. “I know how it feels to chase a dream in this town, and the Opry has always championed up-and-coming artists like me. I am honored to have been a part of the NextStage community, and I can’t wait to share the stage with these awesome artists.”
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Tickets for the event will be available via a pre-sale on October 19 at 10 a.m. CT. General on-sale will kick off on October 20 at 10 a.m. CT. Find more ticket information, HERE.
Opry NextStage has bolstered a number of young acts since its inception in 2019. A number of now household names have been filtered through the program including Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, Priscilla Block, BRELAND, Niko Moon, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Restless Road, Nate Smith, Hailey Whitters, and more.
The announcement of Wilson’s hosting duties comes on the heels of her scoring her fifth consecutive No. 1 with “Watermelon Moonshine.” The milestone makes her neck and neck with Luke Combs for most No. 1 songs on country radio in 2023.
“I’m so honored that ‘Watermelon Moonshine’ hit #1 on Country Radio this week,” Wilson shared in a statement. “This song was co-written with two incredible songwriters, Josh Kear and Jordan Schmidt, and I couldn’t be more proud listening to folks sing it back at shows. This track represents the storytelling I grew up with and reflects on that young love we all like to reminisce on.”
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