Blake Shelton looked ahead to a night “like no other” as he prepared to host a star-studded celebration in honor of the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th anniversary in 2025.
He noted that part of the celebration is “almost impossible.”
Shelton said in an interview with NBC’s Kaylee Hartung on TODAY on Wednesday morning (March 19) that “this night is gonna be like no other. This is one of those ‘once in a lifetime’ things.” The Opry 100: A Live Celebration will include Ashley McBryde, Blake Shelton, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, a special appearance from Randy Travis, and many other artists, the Opry previously announced. Performances will take place at the Grand Ole Opry and at the historic Ryman Auditorium — known as the Mother Church of Country Music and the former location of the Opry — in Nashville, Tennessee.
Shelton, who was inducted into the Opry in 2010, told Hartung “I can’t tell you how special that is” to have nearly every living Opry member attending the celebration on Wednesday evening. He said it’s “almost impossible” to get everyone together, and said it’ll be “like a family reunion” backstage.
The Oklahoma-born country star also shared a shoutout to his wife, iconic singer-songwriter Gwen Stefani, during his interview with Hartung. Shelton features Stefani in a duet on his upcoming album. He announced the record — his first in nearly four years — and released an emotional ballad from the project on Friday (March 14). The album, For Recreational Use Only, will arrive on May 9, just a few days before Shelton performs on the TODAY plaza on May 13.
Opry 100: A Live Celebration is set to air on NBC on Wednesday, March 19 from 8 p.m. to 11 p.m. ET. It will also be available to watch on Peacock.