Taking a look at the Grand Ole Opry lineups for this weekend, the Friday Night Opry has Opry members Mark Wills, Connie Smith and Trace Adkins on the schedule. Also appearing will be George Thorogood & The Destroyers, The Infamous Stringdusters and MercyMe.
Trace and MercyMe will also be appearing on a special segment that will celebrate the upcoming film, "I Can Only Imagine," which is a film inspired by the true stories of MercyMe. While the original film was released in March 2018, this is an update of that original film and is scheduled to be released in theaters on February 20.
For those not familiar with the film, here is the description:
After the breakout success of the song “I Can Only Imagine,” MercyMe’s Bart Millard (John Michael Finley) is living the dream—sold-out arenas, a devoted fan base, and a thriving career. But behind the spotlight, Bart’s past threatens the family he’s built, especially the fragile bond with his son, Sam (Sammy Dell).
When hopeful newcomer Tim Timmons (Milo Ventimiglia, “This Is Us”) joins the band for their biggest tour yet, he unknowingly brings a renewed gratitude to Bart’s life through their unlikely friendship. Bart soon discovers that Tim carries hardships—and secrets—of his own, forcing him to face his past and repair his relationships with Sam and his wife, Shannon (Sophie Skelton), before fame costs him what matters most. Based on the heartfelt true story behind the hit single “Even If,” I CAN ONLY IMAGINE 2 is the inspiring next chapter of faith, family, and finding God in the fire.
In addition to Trace Adkins and MercyMe, that special segment will also include John Michael Finley, Tim Timmons and Sam Wesley, with Tim and Sam making their Opry debuts.
Saturday night Mark Wills returns to make it a two-show weekend, joined by Opry members Bill Anderson, John Conlee, Riders In The Sky and Rhonda Vincent. Connor Smith will be guesting, along with Thelma & James. Rounding out the lineup, and making his Opry debut, will be Blake Whiten, who wrote on his Facebook page that he was "extremely honored" to be making his Opry debut.
Friday February 13
7:00: Mark Wills, Connie Smith, The Infamous Stringdusters, George Thorogood & The Destroyers
Intermission
8:20: Trace Adkins, Mercy Me, (Story Behind the Movie: Bart, Tim, Trace, John, Sam, & Milo Ventimiglia), John Michael Finley, Tim Timmons, Sam Wesley, Mercy Me
Saturday February 14
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Mark Wills, Riders In The Sky, Blake Whiten, Bill Anderson
Intermission
8:20: Thelma & James, John Conlee, Opry Square Dancers, Connor Smith, Rhonda Vincent
While February 14 is St. Valentine's Day, it was also the date that a couple of the Grand Ole Opry's more recent members made their Opry debuts. For Kelsea Ballerini it happened in 2015 and for Lainey Wilson it was in 2020.
From The Tennessean:
Country newcomer Kelsea Ballerini is sure of one thing-Valentine's Day 2015 will be a day she'll never forget. Ballerini, whose debut single "Love Me Like You Mean It," recently broke in the Top 30 on Billboard's country radio airplay chart, will make her Grand Ole Opry debut on Saturday-Valentine's Day.
"It's the ultimate Valentine's Day surprise," Ballerini said. "I've been to the Opry twice as a fan, and it's so incredible. I can't believe I get to go from being in the audience to being on the stage. It's awesome but really nerve-wrecking."
Ballerini plans to play a full band version of her single "Love Me Like You Mean It," as well as a harmony driven, stripped down version of her song "First Time" from her self-titled E.P.
Here is the posted lineup from that night 11 years ago:
7:00: Opry Square Dancers, Connie Smith (host), Chris Janson, Mike Snider
7:30: Ricky Skaggs (host), Kelsea Ballerini, The Whites
Intermission
8:15: Jim Ed Brown (host), Joe Mullins & The Radio Ramblers, Chuck Wicks
8:45: Bill Anderson (host), Mo Pitney, Charles Esten
As far as Lainey Wilson, this is how she remembered her Opry debut:
“Most little girls dream about their wedding day, walking down the aisle in a beautiful wedding dress. Well, this is the day I’ve been dreaming about my whole life—to be standing in the Grand Ole Opry circle in a pair of bell bottoms, doing what I love,” said Lainey Wilson. “Stepping into that circle is about like stepping into Country music heaven. You hear about how it’s the best feeling in the world…how it’s better than you imagined it…but you don’t really understand until you get there and experience it for yourself. So many of my influences have stood in that circle. I’m humbled and excited to feel their spirit when I step in for the first time.”
Here is the posted lineup from the night of Lainey's Opry debut on February 14, 2020:
7:00: Mark Wills (host), Mike Snider, Dailey & Vincent
7:30: Bill Anderson (host), The Grascals, Charles Esten
Intermission
8:15: Terri Clark (host), Gary Mule Deer, Lainey Wilson
8:45: John Conlee (host), Sawyer Brown
It didn't take long for either Kelsea or Lainey to become members of the Opry. Kelsea joined the cast on April 16, 2019, while Lainey became a member on June 7, 2024.
There you have it for this weekend.
It seems like these shows in the last month and the ones coming up are honestly dare. I say better than the anniversary shows the network broadcast or maybe even the actual anniversary show. These lineups are really solid and Marc and trace are back in a couple of weeks for the big Ronnie Milsap thing. Everybody who reads here knows how I feel about Mark. I can only imagine was a great movie if you guys have never seen it. This is going to be a fun weekend. Ez
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