"Opry 100: A Live Celebration" a three-hour television special that premiered live on Wednesday at 8 p.m. EDT, celebrating the 100th anniversary of the Grand Ole Opry, a cornerstone of country music since its radio debut in 1925.
Hosted by Opry member and country star Blake Shelton, the event aired simultaneously on NBC and Peacock, drawing a combined 5.3 million viewers according to Nielsen live-plus-same-day figures and NBCUniversal’s internal data, making it the most-watched program of the night.
The special, broadcast from the Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville with additional performances at the historic Ryman Auditorium, featured a star-studded lineup of country music legends and current artists.
Performers included Reba McEntire, Garth Brooks, Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, Trisha Yearwood, Keith Urban, Luke Combs, and newer acts like Post Malone and Lainey Wilson, alongside special appearances by icons like Randy Travis and Barbara Mandrell.
The show blended live performances with tributes to country music’s past, honoring figures like Dolly Parton, Johnny Cash, June Carter Cash, and George Jones through songs such as “I Will Always Love You” and “Hurricane.” Highlights included Underwood’s tribute to Travis—who famously invited her to join the Opry in 2008—and a gospel-infused segment with The War and Treaty, Amy Grant, and Yolanda Adams, reflecting the genre’s roots.
Beyond the music, the event traced the Opry’s century-long history, spotlighting its evolution from a radio barn dance to a global stage, including its time at the Ryman, dubbed the “Mother Church of Country Music.”
The 5.3 million viewership underscores the Opry’s enduring appeal, outpacing typical primetime fare.
No comments:
Post a Comment