Scotty McCreery officially became a member of the Grand Ole Opry family Saturday night (April 20), and it was a night full of excitement and emotion.
Scotty McCreery was only 17 years old when he won the 10th season of American Idol in 2011. The teen not only won the crown but won the hearts of country music fans. He became one of the most successful Idol alumni with BMI, CMT, and ACM awards to his credit and Platinum albums.
Despite all of his success, there was one goal Scotty McCreery dreamed of — membership in the Grand Ole Opry. The “Five More Minutes” singer saw that dream come true last weekend when he was officially welcomed to the Opry family.
Scotty McCreery’s Opry Invitation
Garth Brooks surprised McCreery with an invitation to join the hallowed family during a surprise appearance at the Opry in December. Brooks joined Scotty on stage and handed him a gift-wrapped box with a red bow. When Scotty began to open the gift, Garth stopped him, saying:
“Watch out. I got a card in there that I hand-signed myself. Don’t open it. Not till Christmas. Seriously,” Brooks said. “The gift inside isn’t here yet. Tonight is merely an invitation.”
As McCreery and the audience began to realize what was happening, the crowd cheered.
“On behalf of the Grand Ole Opry, and this is a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry, we would love to invite you to be the newest member of the Opry.”
Scotty was clearly surprised and responded with a resounding, “Yes! I would love to.”
“I grew up listening to your records Garth and you’re a part of what made me want to do this for a living … I didn’t think that dream would become a reality,” Scotty told Garth.
Scotty McCreery’s Opry Induction
Scotty kicked off his Idol run with a cover of Josh Turner’s “Your Man” and earned a unanimous vote through to the Hollywood round. So it was only fitting that Turner was on-hand Saturday to welcome Scotty to the Opry family.
Turner took the stage with country music legend Randy Travis to do the honors. Turner fought back tears as he read a speech he wrote for his protege.
“Scotty is not only a fine singer and a songwriter, but he’s a great man, husband and now father. I’m proud of him,” Turner said as he tried to control his emotions. “I’m proud to know him and I’m proud that he’s filling the shoes of those who have gone before him. With artists like him, country music is in great shape. Scotty, it is my distinct honor to say congratulations on officially becoming the newest member of the world-famous home of country music, the Grand Ole Opry.”
Scotty McCreery got emotional himself when he addressed the crowd and talked about his longtime dream becoming a reality, and what he’ll tell his son, Avery, about the accomplishment.
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“One day I’m gonna be able to look at Avery … I’ll tell him, ‘Hey, buddy. This was your daddy’s dream. And it came true.’ So I’ll tell him to go chase his dreams as well, because one day it could come true.”
Watch the special moment Scotty McCreery officially became a Grand Ole Opry member in the video below.