Leave it to the Grand Ole Opry to celebrate CMA Fest the only way they know how to — iconic.
The longest-running live broadcasting show in the world hosted a slew of special performances both inside the House and Plaza ahead of and during CMA Fest 2024, which took place in Nashville, Tennessee from Thursday, June 6th through Sunday, June 9th.
Kicking things off on Tuesday (June 4), fans were treated to a special Opry House Plaza Party sponsored by COUNTRY Financial before heading inside to hear Opry members Carrie Underwood, Bill Anderson and Lauren Alaina sing some of their career-changing hits.
On Wednesday (June 5), the Celeb Secrets gals made their way to the House for a star-studded lineup that featured some of the genre’s hottest names, including Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Craig Morgan, Warren Zeiders, Alexandra Kay, Struggle Jennings and Rhonda Vincent.
Filled with country music fans from all over the world, Craig Morgan opened the two-hour event, setting the bar high for what was to come by signing timeless hits that show love for our beautiful nation. Cody Johnson followed with an unforgettable performance of songs “Til You Can’t” and “The Painter” before bringing out Jelly Roll to sing their hit “Whiskey Bent.”
“Cody, I want you to know that I was sweating watching you perform “‘Til You Can’t,’ and as music as I appreciate you bringing me onstage, next time can you bring me before you sing what was one of the biggest songs in country music history?” Jelly Roll said with a chuckle onstage.
Of how their collaboration came about, Cody told the audience, “We struck up a conversation, exchanged phone numbers, and we’ve been some of the best friends ever since. We talked about things from marriage, to trials, to life, to church, to music, to music business, to stuff that don’t have anything to do with nothing. He’s a really good friend of mine.”
Ending with a standing ovation and a sold-out crowd hungry for more, Jelly Roll returned to the stage for a heartwarming moment that left not one dry eye in the building. The Nashville native told his story on how he went from being in a prison cell to performing inside the iconic Opry circle prior to singing his life-changing hits “Son Of A Sinner,” “Need A Favor,” “Save Me,” before giving the audience a preview of his new song “I Am Not Okay,” which is now spinning on Country Radio beginning today (June 12). It’s also the first taste of his forthcoming, yet-to-be-titled new album expected later this year.
“Y’all give me a little grace… I’ve never sang this one [live],” he said before belting out the honest, relatable lyrics from his fans’ soon-to-be new favorite song.
After a brief intermission, Warren Zeiders took the stage to perform his newly released track “Relapse” along with his breakout hit “Pretty Little Poison.” Alexandra Kay then followed, who told Celeb Secrets she was personally invited to step into the circle on Wednesday by none other than Jelly Roll himself.
“[Jelly] has just shared his life with me every step of the way. I’m a completely independent artist as of now, and so he just knows what it’s like to be an independent artist. He knows that we don’t get the same looks as everyone else, so he really wants to share that with me,” Alexandra told Celeb Secrets host Juliet Schroder after her performance at Stagecoach back in April. “He invited me to the Opry, so I get to play for the second time with him in June during CMA Fest. It’s a whirlwind.”
On stage, an emotional Kay performed “Everleave” and “Painted Him Perfect” from her chart-topping independent release All I’ve Ever Known for a roaring crowd, proving that she’s bound to be a star of tomorrow.
It was then time for Struggle Jennings to make his way to the stage, where he performed songs off his latest album El Camino.
Mentioning to the crowd that he spent time in prison for drug conspiracy charges, Struggle shared, “I’ve been beaten, battered and tattered and riddled with emotions all night… all week… actually for the last two weeks since Jelly Roll invited me here. It’s been a long journey, but I’m here to tell you that regardless of what you’re going through or what you’ve been through, it’s always possible.”
The incredible achievement marked Jennings’ Opry debut; and after his moving performance, we’re sure he’ll be welcomed back many times in the future.
The music-filled night wrapped with Opry member Rhonda Vincent, who ended things on a high note with her upbeat, bluegrass tunes.
Highlight’s from Tuesday’s show will air this Saturday, June 15 as Opry Live on the Opry Facebook and YouTube channels, streaming free on the Circle Now app, or tune in via Circle Country digital streaming partners at 9/8 p.m. CT. The Tuesday, Friday and Saturday night shows aired live on WSM Radio and be heard on SiriusXM, Channel 59 Willie’s Roadhouse.
For more coverage from CMA Fest 2024, click here. For more Country news, visit CelebSecretsCountry.com.
