Lainey Wilson Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry by Reba McEntire — Live on “The Voice” Finale!
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The country star received the honor after her performance on the show on May 21
Tyler Golden/NBC
Reba McEntire and Lainey WilsonLainey Wilson is set to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry!
Following her performance on The Voice finale on Tuesday, May 21, the country singer, 32, was surprised onstage by Reba McEntire with an invitation to be inducted as a member of the prestigious organization celebrating country stars.
“Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I have inspired you in what you have done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I have had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up,” the Voice coach, 69, told Wilson.
“I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.”
Tyler Golden/NBC
Wilson was presented with a belt buckle marking her induction as an Opry member during 'The Voice' finale on May 21Wilson appeared visibly emotional to get the honor as fellow Opry member McEntire, 69, presented her with a custom-made belt buckle displaying the words, “Opry Lainey 2024,” while getting a standing ovation from the judges and audience.
“Holy moly!” Wilson shouted in reaction as she hugged McEntire. “That’s a birthday gift right there!” she added after celebrating her birthday on May 19.
“My family's over here tonight and I will say they took me to Nashville when I was 9 years old and we went to the Grand Ole Opry and we saw Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle and Little Jimmy Dickens," Wilson continued. "I knew that I wanted to play there, I wanted to do it.”
“And it is so crazy that you are asking me to be a member because I look up to you so much,” she added to McEntire. “I'm not talking about just musically, but the way that you carry yourself and your work ethic. You inspire me every day.”
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Wilson has celebrated a milestone month so far after also winning the Academy of Country Music Awards' entertainer of the year on May 17.
The country star beat fellow nominees Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen for the honor. Wilson also performed at the ceremony.
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