On Wednesday (August 23, 2023), Trace Adkins graced the iconic Grand Ole Opry stage to celebrate a career milestone of serving as a Grand Ole Opry member for two decades.
The “Every Light in the House” singer debuted on the famous stage in 1996. Seven years later, Adkins was surprised when longstanding country music icon Little Jimmy Dickens walked out onstage during his performance and asked him to join the hallowed institution.
Of course, Adkins was quick to accept. Dickens even had to stand on a step ladder to match Adkins’ staggering height and present to him this honor.
On August 23, 2003 – just about a month after such a special invitation – Adkins was officially welcomed by the Grand Ole Opry as their new member.
Twenty Years Since His Induction
Trace Adkins spent his special twenty-year celebration performing a multitude of his iconic tracks. He kicked things off with a “Kiss You All Over” performance with American band Exile and went on to deliver a set of four songs – including “You’re Gonna Miss This” and “Songs About Me.”
In between performances, the Opry played a congratulatory video message from the country singer’s longtime friend and fellow country star Blake Shelton, who said in jest, “I’m so happy that I could not be there” – making the crowd roar from laughter. It was actually Adkins who invited Shelton to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry in 2010.
Adkins then wrapped things up with the performance of “The Way I Wanna Go,” the title track to his latest albums. Meanwhile, a series of photos over the past two decades lit up in the background.
Adkins also explained what being a member of the Grand Ole Opry meant to him, saying that it made him a better man. The Louisiana native noted that he tries to conduct himself every day, keeping in mind that he represents this institution. “It probably kept me out of jail more times than I would have gone,” he said.
A cake-cutting ceremony (with Adkins’ favorite flavor, red velvet cake) took place to prove Opry’s love and respect for the country singer.
Truly, Trace Adkins is a legend. Congratulations on your career milestone.
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Grand Ole Opry, Trace Adkins