Carrie Underwood Honors Her Country Music Hero with an Emotional Performance
For 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been home to some of the greatest country music artists in the world.
To mark this iconic milestone, the Opry hosted a star-studded celebration, featuring artists like Ashley McBryde, Post Malone, Reba McEntire, Randy Travis, Eric Church, Trace Adkins, Amy Grant, and many more.
Carrie Underwood Becomes a Grand Ole Opry Member
One of the standout performers was Carrie Underwood, who has been an Opry member since March 15, 2008. That’s when Randy Travis surprised her on stage with an invitation to join the Opry, just three years after her American Idol victory in 2005.
During her performance, Randy walked up behind her, catching both Carrie and the audience off guard. At the time, he was at the peak of his career, and the crowd instantly stood in recognition.
Carrie, taken by surprise, turned around to find Randy Travis standing there, her face a mix of shock and awe. He informed her that he had been chosen to officially welcome her into the Grand Ole Opry.
With a playful smile, she joked, “Let me think about it,” before agreeing. As the moment sank in, tears filled her eyes.
Randy Travis gave her a warm embrace and shared the official date when she would become a member of the Opry.
Afterward, Carrie humorously remarked that everyone had kept the surprise under wraps perfectly.
Relive the unforgettable moment below.
Carrie Underwood Honors Randy Travis
In a poignant full-circle moment, Carrie Underwood took the stage at the Opry 100 celebration dressed in a stunning black gown—the same color she wore 17 years ago when Randy Travis surprised her with an invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry.
This time, the roles were reversed as Carrie honored Randy with a heartfelt tribute.
Carrie began her performance with a brief but emotional speech, reflecting on how she had admired Randy since childhood.
“When I was a kid, my sister had a cassette tape of Randy Travis’s music. From the first time I heard him sing his traditional country voice and those songs, I was hooked. I knew my sister wasn’t getting that tape back. The first time I met him many years later, I cried—embarrassing! But it was so emotional for me to meet this man whose voice I’ve been singing to and along with my whole life. I never could have imagined recording songs with him or that Randy would become my dear friend, or that he would surprise me on stage and invite me to join the Grand Ole Opry back in 2008. It means so much to me to be here tonight to celebrate the Opry and the amazing Randy Travis by singing two of my favorite songs of his.”
She then performed two of Randy’s most beloved songs, starting with “Three Wooden Crosses.” The camera captured the audience’s reaction, showing many, including Randy’s wife, Mary Davis, moved to tears by the emotional tribute.
Next, Carrie sang one of Randy’s greatest hits, “Forever and Ever, Amen.”
As she neared the end of the song, Carrie walked into the audience, giving Randy the honor of singing the final “Amen”—a truly remarkable moment considering his recovery after a stroke years ago.
When Carrie finished her tribute, the entire audience stood in applause, giving both her and Randy a well-deserved standing ovation.
Here’s a brief clip of the emotional performance below.