Watch Carrie Underwood Induct Kelsea Ballerini Into the Grand Ole Opry

Watch Carrie Underwood Induct Kelsea Ballerini Into the Grand Ole Opry

by Jim Casey | @TheJimCasey  |  April 17, 2019

After Little Big Town invited Kelsea Ballerini to join the Grand Ole Opry on March 5, Carrie Underwood inducted the Tennessee native on April 16 in front of a packed Opry House.

Carrie presented Kelsea with her Opry trophy, saying, in part, “The Grand Ole Opry is the heart and soul of country music.”

After recounting her first visit to the Opry as a fan, her 2015 Opry debut and subsequent Opry appearances, Kelsea held her award close and said, “Grand Ole Opry, thanks for seeing something in me and for believing that I’ll always love you like I do because I do, and I will.”

Kelsea and Carrie then teamed up for a duet of Trisha Yearwood’s 1992 hit, “Walkaway Joe.”

Earlier in the night, Keith Urban made a surprise appearance to deliver congratulations to Kelesea and to perform “Blue Ain’t Your Color.” Later in the show, Vince Gill surprised the audience yet again by joining Del McCoury Band during the group’s portion of the show.

Watch Carrie induct Kelsea below.

photo by Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Blogs

MONDAY, JANUARY6, 2025

Megan Moroney was asked what her relationship status was . . . and she said, “Single AF.  I feel like these past two weeks are the first time I’ve taken a breath all year. “So, introducing, or even just like trying to get to know someone right now . . .  I’m exhausted.  And then…

FRIDAY, JANUARY 3, 2025

Jelly Roll is keeping Toby Keith’s legacy alive. Jelly helped ring in the new year with a five-song performance during Nashville’s Big Bash at Bicentennial Park on Dec. 31, closing out his set with a cover of the late singer’s hit “Should’ve Been a Cowboy.” Toby died at age 62 in February 2024 following a…

Headlines