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CartKeith Urban Invited to Join Grand Ole Opry
Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:45:09
Grammy, CMA and ACM Award-winner Keith Urban was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry last week by Opry member Vince Gill along with fellow members Rascal Flatts, Diamond Rio and Oak Ridge Boys during Urban's "All For The Hall" benefit at Bridgestone Arena. New Zealand-born and Australian-raised Urban will be the first artist from outside North America to become an Opry member. He will formally be inducted into the Opry on Sat., April 21 live on the premiere of "NOTEWORTHY" at the Opry” on GAC at 8 PM CT. The 16-episode series will feature musical performances and personal stories from the top acts in country music plus interviews with other celebrities about the artists and music featured in each episode.
Near the end of the gig where Urban received his invite, Gill called Rascal Flatts back out on stage to bring a gift for Urban. As Urban opened a large black duffel bag revealing the Opry's signature microphone stand, Gill said, "We would like to invite Keith Urban to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry!" Urban covered his face in surprise as he began, "I don't know what to say – but first, YES! Thank you very much to everybody at the Grand Ole Opry who made this possible. I'm shocked. How beautiful for this to happen tonight of all nights."
"I will always remember the first time I played the Opry," Urban said. "seeing this stand and standing in the circle was an extraordinarily surreal moment. So this right here is just a whole other stratosphere! Thank you from the bottom of my heart."
"We are extremely excited that another of today's most popular country music superstars will be joining our Opry family," said Opry Vice President and General Manager Pete Fisher. "Keith has become a master at forging a unique musical path and building an incredibly successful career. He generates amazing enthusiasm from fans every time he plays the Opry, and he continuously demonstrates the deep regard he has both for the Opry and the entire country music community."
What is your favorite Keith Urban song?
—Maggie Pannacione
04.16.12
