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Lauren Alaina, The Newest Member of the Grand Ole Opry
It all started on June 10, 2011, when Lauren Alaina stepped into the circle for the first time, following her journey on season 10 of American Idol as runner-up. After two albums, chart-topping singles with HARDY, Dustin Lynch, a platinum duet with Kane Brown, a number-one single titled “Road Less Traveled,” and playing the venue over 50 times, Alaina joined legends on February 12th during her induction into the Grand Ole Opry.
During a show in December, country music legend Trisha Yearwood appeared on the screen before walking on stage to give Lauren, who she calls “Junior,” an early Christmas present — the question every country artist dreams of.
Alaina fell to the floor while Yearwood awaited the official “yes” in between the tears and cheers from fans. “I really did not expect this. She [Yearwood] is literally my hero… I could not have picked a more perfect person to ask me,” Alaina said, as she tried catching her breath before finishing the show.
Last month Alaina shared the photo of her then 16-year-old self to announce to her fans that on February 12th, 2022, it would all come full circle. Life is “Getting Good.”
Alaina’s invitation was full of surprises, including her dad surprising her in the crowd. Yearwood made sure to keep the surprises coming Saturday night. Looking over Alaina on the Opry stage appeared Dolly Parton on the screen.
“You and I have a lot in common,” Parton told Alaina. “We both started young. We love country music, and we love the Grand Ole Opry. I would give $1 million if I could be there with Trisha and Garth and all the folks that love you to get you inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. There’s nothing like it. I loved it, and I still love it. I want to wish you the best in your whole career. Good luck with the Grand Ole Opry. We love you!” said Parton.
Dolly Parton made her first Opry appearance at age 13, Alaina at 16. Now, Lauren is not only the sixth consecutive female inductee, she is also the youngest living member of the Opry.
As the video ended, Alaina exclaimed in awe, “She said my name!”The surprises were not over yet. After her induction, Alaina and Yearwood sang Walk Away Joe. Stunned in awe once again, out came Garth Brooks.
Coming from a family that influenced her deep admiration for country music at a young age, Alaina said, “Most little girls dreamed of their weddings, but I dreamed of this. Hopefully, now I can have a wedding, too, and we’ll be set.”
Alaina finished her show singing her first-ever No. 1 Road Less Traveled. The Opry said it best, “When the road less traveled leads to you becoming an Opry member… welcome to the family.” Watch her full induction here.
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