The Grand Ole Opry celebrated 100 years last night (March 19). The special was packed to the brim with country greats and super fans of the genre. It was certainly a night to remember. If you missed out on all the countryfied action, check out five of the best performances, below.
Kelsea Ballerini – “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool” (Barbara Mandrell)
Kelsea Ballerini paid homage to Barbara Mandrell during the Opry 100 celebration by covering “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool.” On top of this performance honoring a country great, the lyrics speak to anyone who has ever loved country music to the same level. Ballerini sings about shirking the norm and reveling in her country roots. It was the perfect needle drop for this occasion.
I remember wearin’ straight-leg Levis
Flannel shirts even when they weren’t in style
I remember singin’ with Roy Rogers
At the movies when the West was really wild
And I was listenin’ to the Opry
When all of my friends
Were diggin’ Rock ‘n Roll and Rhythm and Blues
I was country when country wasn’t cool
Blake Shelton – “Pickup Man” (Joe Diffie)
Blake Shelton tipped his hat to Joe Diffie with a cover of “Pickup Man.” It was clearly a crowd pleaser, judging by the audience’s reaction. Who doesn’t love a classic country track about man’s best friend: a warn out ole’ truck. Shelton wows as he always does, earning his spot as one of the headliners of country’s biggest night.
Well, I got my first truck, when I was three
Drove a hundred thousand miles on my knees
Hauled marbles and rocks, and thought twice before
I hauled a Barbie Doll bed for the girl next door
She tried to pay me with a kiss and I began to understand
There’s just something women like about a Pickup Man
“Jackson” – Ashley McBryde and Post Malone
Few artists are more evocative of the Opry and its legacy than June Carter and Johnny Cash. Naturally, one of their collaborations had to be covered while celebrating 100 years of the Grand Ole Opry. Ashley McBryde and Post Malone took on that daunting task, covering the seminal “Jackson.” Though no one can top the Cash’s original version, this cover certainly livened up the vibe at the Opry House.
We got married in a fever
Hotter than a pepper sprout
We’ve been talkin’ ’bout Jackson
Ever since the fire went out
I’m goin’ to Jackson
I’m gonna mess around
Yeah, I’m goin’ to Jackson
Look out Jackson town
“Luke Combs” – “Hurricane”
Luke Combs threw things back to his Opry debut with a powerful performance of “Hurricane.” It remains one of Combs’ signature tracks and never fails to get the audience on their feet. The crowd at the Opry celebration certainly rose to the occasion. Combs proved why he is considered one of the greatest new age country singers.
Carrie Underwood – “Forever and Ever, Amen” (Randy Travis)
Randy Travis had to be honored at some point throughout the night. What better way to do it than to have Carrie Underwood, one of the best country vocalists of all time, sing a Travis signature: “Forever and Ever, Amen.” Many people have covered this song, but Underwood delivered one of the most memorable renditions. Check it out, below.
Oh, baby, I’m gonna love you forever
Forever and ever amen
As long as old men sit and talk about the weather
As long as old women sit and talk about old men
If you wonder how long I’ll be faithful
I’ll be happy to tell you again
I’m gonna love you forever and ever
Forever and ever, amen
FULL SHOW
