NASHVILLE, Tenn. (WTVF) — Already in 2024, Lainey Wilson has been named the ACM Awards ‘Entertainer of the Year and 'Female Artist of the Year,' now she can add a Grand Ole Opry induction.
Friday night Wilson was officially inducted into the Opry. The ceremony was a surprise highlight for the sold-out audience, featuring Opry members Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood.
"There can never be too many women at the Grand Ole Opry," Yearwood said. "When I think about the future of country music, I know with you in it we are going to be ok." Brooks echoed this sentiment, saying, "I would say I’m so happy for you, but I’m so dang happy for the Grand Ole Opry. I really am. It’s just really rare that you find somebody at your age that already gets it."
"Honestly, it feels like the biggest night of my life," Wilson said. "This feels like the stamp of approval from everybody that stood right here." She invited her family to join her on stage, emphasizing their role in her journey, saying, "I want my family to be up here because this is theirs too."
Journalism is at its best when we can shine a light on an issue that needs more attention. Once again, Hannah McDonald does this beautifully by highlighting the hardships of teens aging out of the foster care system. I learned something new in her reporting and am inspired by the work I AM NEXT is doing to make a difference. I think you will be too!
-Carrie Sharp
