When over 50 Grand Ole Opry legends stood arm in arm onstage—Reba, Carrie, Lady A, Garth, Trisha, Vince Gill, and so many more—the audience thought they’d witnessed the finale of a lifetime. But they hadn’t. One last performance happened after the cameras stopped rolling. The crowd stayed silent as these icons joined voices for “Will the Circle Be Unbroken,” a soul-stirring tribute that brought tears and chills to everyone lucky enough to be in the room. It was raw. It was sacred. It was country music history. NBC didn’t air it, but now you can finally watch it

A Century of Song: Celebrating the Grand Ole Opry’s Historic 100th Anniversary

For a full century, the Grand Ole Opry has stood as more than just a concert hall—it has been the very heart of country music. This legendary stage has witnessed the birth of icons, preserved traditions, and inspired generations of artists and fans alike. Every country performer dreams of stepping into that sacred circle, and when the Opry reached its 100-year milestone, the celebration was destined to be more than a concert. It became a once-in-a-lifetime gathering of country music’s greatest, a night filled with history, reverence, and unforgettable performances.

The atmosphere inside the iconic Opry House was electric—charged with a hundred years of stories, triumphs, and timeless songs. This centennial celebration wasn’t simply entertainment; it was a heartfelt tribute to music’s enduring ability to connect people, broadcast live to audiences around the globe.

A Lineup for the Ages

Calling the lineup “star-studded” hardly does justice to the night. The stage became a living tapestry, woven with pioneers, modern legends, and boundary-pushing voices of the genre. Among those who graced the spotlight were:

Garth Brooks
Trisha Yearwood
Reba McEntire
Carrie Underwood
Eric Church
Dierks Bentley
Randy Travis
Ashley McBryde
Carly Pearce
The War & Treaty
Vince Gill & Amy Grant
Clint Black
Trace Adkins
Marty Stuart
Alan Jackson
Post Malone
Alison Krauss & Union Station
Yolanda Adams
Ricky Skaggs
Terri Clark
Steven Curtis Chapman
Jamey Johnson

Each artist offered something uniquely powerful, pouring their soul into the wooden circle that has defined the Opry for generations. One of the night’s most emotional moments came when Luke Combs took the stage. With his raspy vocals and raw honesty, he delivered a performance that captured exactly why he has become one of the most important voices in modern country music.

Blake Shelton Leads a ’90s Revival

At the helm of this historic broadcast was Emmy-winning superstar Blake Shelton. With his mix of humor, warmth, and deep respect for Opry traditions, Shelton proved to be the perfect guide through the night. But he wasn’t just hosting—he was also performing. Shelton opened with a roaring rendition of Joe Diffie’s classic “Pickup Man,” setting the tone for a night of celebration.

The evening then shifted into a full-on ’90s country revival when Shelton was joined by Trace Adkins and Clint Black. Together, they delivered a high-energy medley that transported the audience back to country music’s golden decade. From Black’s smooth delivery of “Nothin’ but the Taillights” to Adkins’ commanding baritone on “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing,” the performance was a nostalgic, foot-stomping highlight that had fans singing every word.

Moments That Will Be Remembered Forever

Though NBC and Peacock’s broadcast captured the grandeur, some of the most profound moments lived in the small details—the shared smiles, the quiet tears, and the heartfelt tributes. Carrie Underwood offered one of the night’s most moving performances, paying homage to Randy Travis with a rendition that was not just a cover, but a deeply personal tribute to one of her greatest influences.

Another unforgettable surprise came when Post Malone, known for his success far outside country music, teamed up with Travis Tritt for a cross-genre collaboration. Their performance proved that at its core, great music transcends labels, and the Opry continues to be a home for creativity and innovation.

The televised finale brought over 50 Opry members together on one stage. Led by Lady A’s Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood—joined by Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire—the ensemble delivered a soaring, emotional performance of Dolly Parton’s “I Will Always Love You.” The harmonies echoed like a promise, symbolizing unity and strength for the future of country music.

Yet, the most intimate moment came after the cameras stopped rolling. In a private encore, every artist returned for a heartfelt performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken.” It was unscripted, raw, and pure Opry magic—a reminder that this institution is built not only on performances but also on community and shared legacy. Thanks to a clip shared later by Country Rebel, fans everywhere got a glimpse of this sacred finale.

Relive the Celebration

If you missed the live event, you can still experience the magic. The full Opry 100 special is available to stream on Peacock, offering fans the chance to relive one of the most important milestones in country music history. This centennial celebration was more than just a concert—it was a living, breathing reminder of why the Grand Ole Opry will always be the soul of country music.