The Grand Ole Opry turned 100 — and Blake Shelton made sure the milestone celebration didn’t just honor country music’s past, but lit a fire under its future.
As host and headliner of the historic centennial event, Shelton brought the house down with a blistering performance of Joe Diffie’s classic “Pickup Man,” paying tribute to the late ’90s hitmaker who helped shape the genre’s golden era. The crowd roared with approval, and the cameras caught everything — especially the emotional reactions of two women who know Blake best: Gwen Stefani and Reba McEntire.
A Tribute with Heart, Humor, and Horsepower
Wearing his signature denim and that ever-reliable grin, Shelton leaned into the Diffie classic with all the swagger and soul fans love him for. From the first guitar twang to the final chorus, it was clear: this wasn’t just a cover — it was a thank-you. A salute to a friend. A love letter to the kind of country that never goes out of style.
Social media lit up instantly. Fans posted clips and photos under the hashtag #Opry100, calling Shelton’s tribute “rowdy, reverent, and unforgettable.” One user wrote, “Blake just gave Joe Diffie the send-off he deserved — country through and through.”
And the audience agreed. None more so than Gwen and Reba, seated side-by-side in the front row. Stefani, beaming with pride, swayed along with the beat, while McEntire wiped away a tear during the final chorus. Their reactions — raw, real, and unrehearsed — said everything.
A Night of Legends and Love
The Opry’s 100th anniversary wasn’t short on stars. Carrie Underwood delivered a heart-wrenching tribute to Randy Travis that moved the audience to tears — even Reba, known for her composure, was seen mouthing “Wow” as Carrie sang. Keith Urban, Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Kelsea Ballerini, and Post Malone also lit up the stage with genre-spanning tributes and high-energy hits.
Though Dolly Parton couldn’t attend in person, she sent in a video message that was met with a thunderous standing ovation — followed by a crowd-led rendition of “I Will Always Love You” that echoed through the hallowed halls like a hymn.
And through it all, Shelton stood tall — part MC, part showman, part historian — guiding the night with the perfect mix of humor and heart.
A Dream Night for Gwen Stefani
Though she didn’t perform, Gwen Stefani’s presence felt like a homecoming of its own. Now a fixture in the country world thanks to her marriage to Shelton, she was seen laughing, singing along, and even misty-eyed during some of the more emotional numbers.
Earlier this week, Shelton told People that Gwen called the Opry celebration her “dream come true,” especially with their three sons in attendance backstage. “It’s surreal for her — and honestly, for me too,” he said. “We’ve built a family, and now we’re building memories like this together.”
Shelton even hinted that a “family band moment” may be in the future, with Kingston, Zuma, and Apollo dabbling in music. “They’ve got talent. And attitude. So… they’re perfect for country,” Blake joked.
Looking Ahead, Rooted in the Past
As the final chords rang out and the stage dimmed, Blake closed the night by tipping his hat and saying simply:
“Here’s to 100 more. Thank y’all for letting me be a part of something this sacred.”
And just like that, the Opry’s next chapter began — not with pyrotechnics, but with passion. Not with gimmicks, but with grit.
Blake Shelton reminded the world that country music doesn’t just survive — it drives on. And sometimes, all it takes is a good ol’ pickup truck, a guitar, and a heart full of memories.
And maybe a tear or two from Gwen and Reba to prove that country’s still got soul
