13 Years Ago: Carrie Underwood Is Inducted Into the Grand Ole Opry
Thirteen years ago today, on May 10, 2008, Carrie Underwood was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. The Season 4 American Idol winner was invited to join the Opry by Randy Travis and inducted by Garth Brooks.
"I can't imagine what you're feeling right now," Brooks told Underwood onstage the night of her Grand Ole Opry induction. "I cried like a baby the whole time. But this is all about you. This is tough stuff. But being around you five minutes, I know you get it. Coming from Oklahoma, I know you're sharp as a whip, of course.
"You will be rained with awards from the CMA, ACM, Grammys and all that stuff," Brooks predicted. "[But] nothing will last as long or be more important than this award right here tonight. Congratulations."
Standing in the Opry's famous circle, a visibly emotional Underwood shared her thoughts after performing "All-American Girl."
"This [award] is gonna hold a very special place in my awards case. I just want to thank everybody at the Opry for having me as a part of your family — because it really seems like a great family to be a part of," the Oklahoma native said. "It means a lot to me. I promise that I'll do everything I possibly can to make you not regret it — and to make you guys not regret it!"
Underwood earned the respect of fellow Oklahoman Brooks, who was honored to share in her induction.
“To have that kind of muscle at the Opry, I’m happy for them because that little gal can belt it out," Brooks tells The Boot. "I think she gets it. The coolest thing she said was, ‘I know I didn't come here by the conventional road.’ That was very cool, so I think she’ll love it and respect it enough.”
In spite of her busy schedule, Underwood -- a married mother of two -- continues to perform at the Opry as much as her schedule allows.
"The induction award they gave me says, 'Hey, you're a part of the family,'" the country superstar explains. "It means a lot to me because it's the heart of country music, the church, the sacred place, the super-elite club that says you love this music."
This story was originally written by Gayle Thompson, and revised by Annie Zaleski.
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