Luke Bryan Reigns At Spring Break Panama City

Wednesday, September 29, 2010

BLAKE SHELTON RECEIVES SURPRISE INVITATION TO JOIN THE GRAND OLE OPRY AT LAST
NIGHT’S OPRY EVENT,
“COUNTRY COMES HOME”

Nashville, TN – Four-time CMA Award nominee, including Male Vocalist of the Year, Blake Shelton was honored last night at the Grand Ole Opry’s live televised reopening, “Country Comes Home,” with an invitation to join the line of prestigious Opry members. Shelton was surprised with the prestigious invitation after his performance with Opry member and longtime friend Trace Adkins of their award-winning No. 1 hit song, “Hillbilly Bone.”

 

Adkins broke the announcement to the country star saying, “You know Blake is famous for doing the Twitter thing; he’s always sending tweets. Well, the Grand Ole Opry sent Blake a tweet tonight.” Adkins handed Shelton his phone as the tweet appeared on the Opry’s backdrop which read, “Blake Shelton, you are invited to join the Grand Ole Opry! See you 10/23/10.” Shelton was speechless as the crowd stood with elated ovation on his reaction to the long-awaited honor. The country star has always had an extensive knowledge and admiration for country music and has often noted in interviews his deep appreciation for the industry’s rich history and the significant part the Grand Ole Opry has played in it. Shelton’s official induction into the Grand Ole Opry will take place on Oct. 23^rd. 

 

“I can honestly say, being invited to be a member of the Grand Ole Opry is hands down the best moment of my life,” says Blake. “The Opry family is a way bigger deal than anything else. It has a long tradition of family, music and respect, and I will be associated with this night, the re-birth of the Opry, forever.”

 

The Grand Ole Opry returned to its permanent home in a historic first show back at the Grand Ole Opry House last night with performances from 61-year Opry veteran, Jimmy Dickens as well as Martina McBride, Brad Paisley, Connie Smith and more.

 

Blake Shelton is one of the “most versatile of contemporary country singers” (The New York Times). The country star continues to prove to be one of the industry’s hottest vocalists as he reigns in on a successful year with career highlights that include the release of his two SIX PAK albums – Hillbilly Bone and his most recent release, All About Tonight, an ACM and CMT award win, four CMA award nominations – including one for Male Vocalist of the year and garnering two No. 1 hits with his album title-track’s, “Hillbilly Bone” (featuring longtime friend, Trace Adkins) and “All About Tonight.” Shelton is the only solo male country artist – one of three artists overall– to log more than one chart-topper so far this year on Billboard’s Hot Country Songs. All About Tonightdebuted at No. 1 on the SoundScan Top Country Albums chart and No. 6 on Billboard's Top 200 chart, making it Shelton’s highest charting record-to-date. Shelton has seven No. 1 hits with, “All About Tonight,” “Hillbilly Bone,” his back-to-back multi-week No. 1 singles “She Wouldn’t Be Gone” and “Home,” his five-week No. 1 debut single, “Austin” and two additional multi-week No. 1 singles with “The Baby” and “Some Beach.” Shelton has not had a single peak outside the Top Ten since 2007.

 

For more information on Blake Shelton, please visit www.BlakeShelton.com.

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