WATCH: The Emotional Final ‘Opry 100’ Performance They Didn’t Show on TV
A century of country music history came to life at the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th celebration — but its most powerful moment never aired.
On a night filled with legends, tributes, and unforgettable collaborations, the “Opry 100” celebration delivered a once-in-a-lifetime lineup honoring the heart and soul of country music. But one performance — the final, unscripted tribute — was left out of the national broadcast, making it all the more cherished by those lucky enough to witness it live.
A Star-Studded Lineup for the Ages
Held at the Grand Ole Opry House and broadcast on NBC and Peacock, the Opry 100 was nothing short of historic. Hosted by Blake Shelton, the evening brought together a stunning collection of artists representing the past, present, and future of country music.
Confirmed performers included:
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Garth Brooks & Trisha Yearwood
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Reba McEntire
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Carrie Underwood
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Eric Church
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Dierks Bentley
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Randy Travis
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Luke Combs
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Post Malone
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Carly Pearce, Ashley McBryde, Alison Krauss, Marty Stuart, Alan Jackson
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Clint Black, Trace Adkins, Vince Gill, Amy Grant, Jamey Johnson, Ricky Skaggs, Terri Clark
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Yolanda Adams, The War & Treaty, Steven Curtis Chapman, and more
The performances were a living timeline — showcasing everything from traditional roots to boundary-pushing modern hits.
Blake Shelton’s ’90s Country “Party Jam”
As both host and performer, Blake Shelton brought his signature charm to the stage and teamed up with Clint Black and Trace Adkins for a raucous mashup of ’90s country favorites.
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Black performed “Nothin’ but the Taillights”
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Adkins delivered “(This Ain’t) No Thinkin’ Thing”
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Shelton added his twist with a performance of “Pickup Man”
The crowd danced, sang along, and relished every note.
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Carrie Underwood’s Heartfelt Tribute to Randy Travis
One of the most touching moments of the night came when Carrie Underwood honored Randy Travis, singing a heartfelt rendition that brought the audience to tears. Her voice, paired with deep reverence for one of the genre’s most respected figures, became a defining emotional highlight of the event.
Post Malone’s Surprising Collaboration
Genre-crossing artist Post Malone stunned the audience with a fiery duet with Travis Tritt, proving once again that country music’s circle is always expanding — welcoming anyone who brings heart, grit, and soul.
The Televised Finale: “I Will Always Love You”
The broadcasted portion of the night ended with a majestic group performance of Dolly Parton’s legendary song “I Will Always Love You.” Over 50 Grand Ole Opry members joined together onstage for this moving tribute, led by Lady A (Charles Kelley, Hillary Scott, and Dave Haywood), with Carrie Underwood and Reba McEntire anchoring the vocals.
The crowd was on its feet. The energy felt final.
But it wasn’t.
The Performance You Didn’t See: “Will the Circle Be Unbroken”
After the cameras stopped rolling and the TV broadcast wrapped, the entire group of Opry members remained onstage. The lights dimmed. The crowd leaned in.
Then, something magical happened.
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In an untelevised encore, every artist joined in a spontaneous performance of “Will the Circle Be Unbroken” — a song that has long served as country music’s spiritual anthem.
There were no soloists. No showy production. Just voices — pure, proud, united — lifting the roof of the Opry in one final tribute to the legacy they all carry.
The performance was raw, unrehearsed, and absolutely unforgettable. It served as the perfect coda to a night that honored not only the stars but the spirit of country music itself.
Thanks to Country Rebel, fans who weren’t in the room can now witness the moment. The outlet shared the powerful footage on social media, and the clip quickly began circulating online — reigniting emotion among those who thought the night had already peaked.
A Moment for the History Books
In the words of one attendee:
“It was the kind of moment that makes you proud to be a country music fan. They didn’t just celebrate a genre — they honored a family.”
And for those watching online?
“This is what the cameras missed — the soul of the Opry.”
Why It Matters
In an industry that often celebrates glitz, the unseen performance reminded us what country music is really about: storytelling, community, legacy, and heart.
This wasn’t just a bonus performance.
It was the final heartbeat of the Opry 100 — shared quietly among legends and passed on to the fans who carry the music forward.
