It’s been 15 years since Blake Shelton joined the Grand Ole Opry, and now he’s hosting the 100th anniversary celebration. With the anniversary of the Opry occurring this year, let’s look back at the frankly unorthodox invitation he received from the legendary institution way back in 2010.
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First, Blake Shelton debuted at the Opry when he was just 24 years old. He took the stage in 2001, not yet the big name he is now. Then, he was just another country boy looking for every opportunity to perform after releasing his debut self-titled album that July. He took the country world by storm with the song “Austin,” and performed well at the Opry. However, they wouldn’t formally invite him to join until almost a decade later.
Here’s How Blake Shelton Was Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry
In September 2010, Blake Shelton was on stage with Trace Adkins, performing at an event to celebrate the Grand Ole Opry’s reopening. May 2010 marked a devastating flood for Nashville after massive amounts of rainfall. Over 36 hours, nearly 14 inches of rain fell on the city, breaking previous rainfall records. The Grand Ole Opry House was damaged in the flood, but reopened four months later after restorations, during which the Opry shows migrated from venue to venue.
That September, the Opry put on a concert to welcome everyone back to the historic venue. Shelton and Adkins performed their song “Hillbilly Bone,” and then Adkins put the Opry’s plan in place.
“Hey, y’all know how Blake’s always sitting and he’s famous for doing the Twitter thing. You know, he’s always sending tweets,” Adkins told the audience, arm slung around Shelton’s shoulder. He then added, “Well, the Grand Ole Opry sent Blake a tweet tonight. Here, look.”
Adkins then urged Shelton to read the tweet, which was projected on the screen behind them. “@blakeshelton, you’re invited to join the Grand Ole Opry. See you on 10/23/2010!” it read. This was Blake Shelton’s official invitation to the Grand Ole Opry.
Shelton’s Response to the Opry’s Tweet
Blake Shelton gave Trace Adkins a big hug, saying, “Man, it takes a long time!” in reference to his debut in 2001. He also gave a speech to the gathered crowd, which erupted into cheers for the country star.
“I know a lot of guys that want this as bad as I have wanted it. And, uh, forget them for now!” he said with a laugh, then taking a more serious tone. “I don’t know what I ever did in the last year or so to finally turn Nashville’s head a little bit. But whatever I did, man, I’m loving this. This moment right here, hands down, is the highlight of my career. Thank y’all so much. Thank you, Grand Ole Opry.”
Featured Image by Rick Diamond/Getty Images
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