Inducted by Carrie Underwood
Kelsea Ballerini officially became the newest (and youngest) member of the Grand Ole Opry on Tuesday night (April 16). Carrie Underwood officially inducted Ballerini -- and hung around for a duet.
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
"You have accomplished so much in your career, and you will undoubtedly accomplish infinite amounts more in your life. Awards, No. 1s, sales ... This is better than all of that," Underwood, an Opry member herself since 2008, told Ballerini onstage. "This is the heart and soul of country music. The Opry has been and always will be here — the heart and soul of country music, the family. You are in it.”
“It’s so nice and comforting to know that, no matter where life takes me, and no matter if the radio stops playing me tomorrow, and whatever happens, I can always come here, and I can always play country music," Ballerini shared. "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.”
Ballerini and Underwood's duet of choice to mark the momentous occasion was Opry member Trisha Yearwood's 1992 hit "Walkway Joe." Ballerini also performed her song "In Between," her No. 1 hit "Peter Pan" and her current single "Miss Me More."
“We are incredibly pleased to welcome Kelsea Ballerini into the Opry family,” says Grand Ole Opry General Manager Sally Williams. “As evidenced by the enthusiasm of the Opry members here tonight and the fans in the crowd, Kelsea and her music are much loved. She and her fellow members who made tonight so special show that the future of both country music and the Opry are in good hands.”
