Country singer, and now officially the youngest member of the Grand Ole Opry, Kelsea Ballerini has been inducted into the prestigious country music stage concert.
Fellow country powerhouse Carrie Underwood gave her the award and officially inducted her into the exclusive country group. Underwood herself was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry family in 2008.
It's OFFICIAL! The newest member of the Grand Ole #Opry is @KelseaBallerini, with an induction by @carrieunderwood! pic.twitter.com/5sf5vAHzJn
— Grand Ole Opry (@opry) April 17, 2019
The Induction
When Underwood walked out onto the stage with the Opry trophy, Ballerini began bowing down to her, to which Underwood shook her head. Instead, Underwood showered her with nothing but praise.
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“I want to thank them for asking this talented, incredible, smart, sweet, beautiful woman to be a member. You have accomplished so much in your career and you will undoubtedly accomplish infinite amounts more in your career and in your life. Awards and number ones and sales and tours and fans, and just all of it. But this is better than all of that. This is the heart and soul of country music.”
Ballerini was all smiles and tears when she was formally inducted into the Opry. The moment was crowned to perfection with many fans showering the stage with roses.
“This is probably where I should say something very eloquent. “We can all agree that life moves pretty fast, right? I think especially since I moved to Nashville, I had this big dream to do all of these kinds of things. I’ve rarely looked up. There’s rarely been a moment that’s made me just stop and take a minute and be grateful and look up. One that I remember is February 14, 2015 and that is when I made my Opry debut. And one is right now.”
Ballerini’s Invitation
Last March, Ballerini was invited into the institution during her appearance that evening on the iconic stage when she joined Little Big Town for a fabulous rendition of “Girl Crush.”
When the song was slowing to its conclusion, the group changed the lyrics to
“Kelsea Ballerini, do you wanna join the Opry?”
It was obvious that the question had shocked Ballerini, but her reply was ecstatic.
“Yes, I’m gonna pass out I think. To be on this stage is the greatest gift in the world. This is the home of country music, and I get to be a part of it.”
