The Grand Ole Opry honored legendary country artist Ronnie Milsap with a milestone celebration marking 50 years as an Opry member, while simultaneously unveiling the highly anticipated Opry NextStage Class of 2026, spotlighting the future voices of country music.
The anniversary celebration, held February 24, paid tribute to Milsap's extraordinary legacy as one of country music's most influential crossover artists. Inducted into the Opry in 1976, the six-time Grammy Award winner helped redefine the genre through a groundbreaking fusion of country, pop, R&B, and soul, earning more than 35 No. 1 hits throughout his career.
Opry members and guest artists gathered to perform some of Milsap's signature classics, including "Smoky Mountain Rain," "Almost Like a Song," "Stranger in My House," and "Any Day Now." Tribute performances were delivered by fellow country stars including Vince Gill, Blake Shelton, Trace Adkins, Keith Urban, Mark Wills, and T. Graham Brown.
One of the evening's most moving moments came with a special appearance by the Tennessee School for the Blind Jazz Band, honoring Milsap's lifelong connection to the blind community after losing his sight as an infant.
Alongside the tribute, the Opry introduced its NextStage Class of 2026, a prestigious artist-development initiative designed to elevate emerging country talent through national exposure, mentorship, and performance opportunities.
The newly announced class includes rising artists Willow Avalon, Graham Barham, Tyler Braden, Carter Faith, Alexandra Kay, Vincent Mason, Emily Ann Roberts, Hudson Westbrook, and Jake Worthington - each representing the next generation poised to shape country music's evolving sound.
Since its launch in 2019, the Opry NextStage program has helped alumni achieve dozens of chart-topping hits while strengthening the pipeline between developing artists and country music's most historic stage.
The evening underscored the enduring mission of the Grand Ole Opry: honoring the legends who built country music while investing in the artists who will carry its legacy forward.
