The Grand Ole Opry, the world’s longest-running radio show and a cornerstone of country music, is preparing to celebrate its 100th anniversary in an extraordinary way. On Friday, September 26, 2025, the Opry will make history with its first-ever live broadcast outside the United States, emanating from the iconic Royal Albert Hall in London. This milestone event will bring the Opry’s celebrated format to an international audience for the very first time, marking a new chapter in the storied legacy of this beloved institution.
The centennial celebration will feature a star-studded lineup of country music’s biggest names, including Carly Pearce, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Ashley McBryde, and Darius Rucker—all of whom are current Opry members. These artists, known for their contributions to both traditional and contemporary country music, will take the stage to perform for an audience that spans both sides of the Atlantic. The live broadcast promises to showcase a mix of timeless country classics and new hits, bringing together legends of the genre alongside today’s rising stars.
Tickets for this historic event will be available starting Friday, May 23, 2025, at 10 a.m. BST, through the Royal Albert Hall’s official website. As the show promises to be an unforgettable night in the world of country music, interest in the tickets is expected to be high, making this a must-see event for fans of the genre. The show will be co-hosted by BBC Radio 2’s Vernon Kay and WSM Radio’s Kelly Sutton, ensuring that listeners around the world can experience the magic of the Opry in real time.
The decision to host the Opry’s centennial celebration at the Royal Albert Hall underscores the global reach and influence of country music, a genre that has seen growing international popularity in recent years. Colin Reed, chairman of Ryman Hospitality Properties, expressed his excitement about bringing the Opry’s unique tradition to a wider, global audience. Reed noted that this historic broadcast would offer fans an opportunity to experience the essence of the Opry—a blend of tradition, talent, and timeless appeal—on an international stage during a period when country music continues to rise in global prominence.
Founded in 1925 as the WSM Barn Dance, the Grand Ole Opry was renamed in 1927 and has since become an institution, not just in Nashville but across the world. Over the years, the Opry has been a platform for countless legendary performances, shaping the course of country music and showcasing an incredible range of talent, from bluegrass to folk to gospel. Its influence extends beyond the country music genre, offering a sense of continuity and connection through generations of music lovers.
The upcoming broadcast from London serves as both a celebration of the Opry’s century-long legacy and a testament to country music’s growing global appeal. As the Opry prepares to mark this historic milestone, its centennial event is sure to leave an indelible mark on both the international music scene and the hearts of fans around the world.