In celebration of its 100th year, the Grand Ole Opry is going international for the first time ever. On Friday, September 26, 2025, some of country music’s biggest names will take the stage at London’s Royal Albert Hall for the Opry’s inaugural live international broadcast, “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London”
The lineup is stacked with beloved Opry members like Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, and Marty Stuart all set to perform as headliners. There will also be a few surprise UK guest artists joining the show, with names to be announced later this year.
Just like a night at the Opry in Nashville, each artist will perform between two and four songs, mixing classic and modern country sounds. Plus, there is expected to be some special collaborations throughout the show.
This evening aims to bring the rich and diverse musical styles within the country music community in Nashville across the pond to one of the world’s most prestigious stages.
Darius Rucker, who is currently working on a project with London-based creatives, called the whole thing a “full-circle moment.”
He said, “Being a member of the Grand Ole Opry is a great honor; it’s always felt like the Opry was my home away from home. To have the opportunity to bring such a big part of my musical roots to Royal Albert Hall is a full-circle moment for me while I work on a project with so many talented songwriters and producers based in London. I can’t think of a better way to honor the Opry’s global impact on country music as we share its magic with a new generation of fans.”
Colin Reed, Executive Chairman of Grand Ole Opry parent company Ryman Hospitality Properties, added, “This milestone year for the Grand Ole Opry has arrived at the perfect time as country music enjoys an unprecedented rise in global popularity, especially here in the United Kingdom. Our first-ever broadcast outside of the United States will celebrate the influential music that has shaped this genre and pay tribute to the unique Opry show format that has entertained music lovers for 100 years.
He continues, “With the help of some of our most treasured Opry members and some very special guests, we hope to give fans a taste of what goes on every week back in Nashville and inspire them to come visit the epicenter of country music.”
Who’s Hosting?
Hosting “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London” will be BBC Radio 2 presenter Vernon Kay and WSM Radio’s Kelly Sutton. Sutton, who made history as the Opry’s first regular female host and host of Absolute Radio Country’s The Nashville Show, will join Kay in helping bring that signature Nashville energy to London and across the airwaves.
Tickets are expected to sell quickly as fans seize the opportunity to experience this milestone moment. Those unable to experience the show in person can listen to a live broadcast on WSM radio and Opry.com. UK-based fans can also hear a full broadcast replay on BBC Radio 2 at a later date.
The Inaugural Show Comes Amid A Milestone Year
Since first hitting the airwaves on WSM Radio back in 1925, the Grand Ole Opry has been at the heart of country music, introducing the genre to fans around the world and launching the careers of legends like Roy Acuff, Minnie Pearl, Dolly Parton, George Jones, Loretta Lynn, and Charley Pride. Today, it continues to spotlight some of the biggest names in the format, including the artists set to perform at “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London.”
Earning a spot as an Opry member has become one of country music’s highest honors as it serves as a commitment to preserving the Opry’s legacy by supporting rising stars, connecting with fans, and honoring the trailblazers who came before.
Dan Rogers, SVP and Executive Producer of the Grand Ole Opry described it best when he said, “The magical thing about the Opry is how many lives it’s touched over the past 100 years. No matter where you live, when you listen to country music all roads eventually lead to the Grand Ole Opry and its members both past and present. This show, like the others we are fortunate to program during this special year, will be a celebration of all that has come before it, a moment to embrace something that’s never happened before and a preview of what lies ahead.”
“Grand Ole Opry: Live in London” is produced by Dan Rogers in partnership with SteadiBeat Media’s Steve Buchanan, with special thanks to SJM Concerts and Bob Shennan.
Opry Live To Air On Sky Arts
Leading up to the big night, UK fans can get a taste of the latest Grand Ole Opry performances as Opry Live begins airing on Sky Arts starting Friday, 30th May. The weekly series will air for 26 weeks, offering a front-row seat to Nashville’s iconic stage ahead of the Opry’s landmark show at Royal Albert Hall.
This milestone event is part of the Opry’s 100th year celebration, which has included a series of limited-edition releases, special performances, exhibits, book publications and merchandise celebrating this historic year.
Tickets to the “Grand Ole Opry: Live in London” will go on sale on Friday, 23rd May at 10:00 a.m. BST / 4:00 a.m. CDT on royalalberthall.com.
The post Luke Combs, Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde & More to Perform At ‘Grand Ole Opry: Live In London’ appeared first on Country Now.