Luke Combs is reminding fans why he’s a star. During the Opry 100: A Live Celebration special, Combs took the stage at Nashville’s Ryman Auditorium to perform two songs.
“I’m so glad to be here to celebrate the Opry’s big night,” Combs said as soon as he took the stage. “I’m the first to admit—and there’s tape to prove it—that I broke down onstage when I was invited to become a member.”
“Country music has never shied away from strong emotions,” he continued. “When George Jones recorded this classic in 1974, he revealed every ounce of hurt through the emotion in his voice.”
With that, Combs began singing “The Grand Tour,” exhibiting similar emotion to what Jones did in his recording.
Luke Combs singing The Grand Tour scratches an itch i never knew i had. #Opry100
— C Man — HOW BOUT THEM DAWGS (back2back) (@colemanhruss) March 20, 2025
Next, Combs moved on to his debut single, “Hurricane,” expertly performing the track that introduced him to the world.
Luke Combs performs “Hurricane” at Opry 100. pic.twitter.com/MGNj6qNhz9
— NBC Entertainment (@nbc) March 20, 2025
Ahead of his performance, Combs recalled his earliest experience with the Opry in an Instagram video.
Back when he was in college, Combs bought tickets to see Ashley Monroe at the Opry. However, car trouble meant he arrived late to the show and was unable to get in. He messaged Monroe about his troubles on social media and was delighted to hear back from the singer.
“She responded and told me she was doing a signing after the show. So I went over and got my album signed. I still have it to this day,” he said. “I told her, ‘One day, I’m going to play the Opry, and I’m going to play with you.’ It’s the kind of thing every young singer probably says when they meet someone they admire. But years later, I actually got to tell her that story for the first time in Maui at the BMI Songwriters Festival, where we were playing together. It was a full-circle moment.”
Airing live from the Opry House, the Grand Ole Opry is bringing together country music’s biggest icons to celebrate 100 years of the show that made the genre famous.
“Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career, and 15 years later I still get that same feeling of reverence and excitement every time I walk out on that stage,” host Blake Shelton said in a press release. “The Grand Ole Opry has been connecting the country music family for 100 years, and I’m so proud to be part of this historic celebration.”
Judging by the stars the Opry has lined up for the special, the Nashville institution’s next 100 years will be as iconic as its first century.
Plenty of country icons will get their time to shine during the special. Patsy Cline and Loretta Lynn will both be honored by Reba McEntire. Meanwhile, Dolly Parton will be recognized with a performance by Carly Pearce. Additionally, Garth Brooks and Trisha Yearwood will dazzle with a George & Tammy duet, while Lainey Wilson and Marty Stuart will perform a Hank Williams song.
Other performers include Carrie Underwood, Jelly Roll, Randy Travis, Ashley McBryde, The War & Treaty, Alan Jackson, and Post Malone.
In addition to performances, Opry 100 will reflect on legendary Opry moments and highlight exclusive digital content that honors the artists, fans, and songs that define country music.
Photo by Astrida Valigorsky/WireImage
