Little Big Town Sang A Cappella to Invite Kelsea Ballerini Into the Grand Ole Opry
This moment was magical for The Voice Season 27 Coach.
The Voice Season 27 Coach Kelsea Ballerini reflected on a special moment she shared with her Battle Advisors, the country band Little Big Town. Years ago, it was Little Big Town who issued her an official invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry, one of the highest honors in the country music community. And they did it through song.
How Little Big Town used "Girl Crush" to surprise Kelsea Ballerini
"I was thinking about my memories with you guys," Ballerini reflected while waiting for Battle rehearsal to start. "I was performing the same night as you at the Grand Ole Opry, and then you guys asked me to sing [Little Big Town song] 'Girl Crush' with you, and I’ll never forget, the last chorus of 'Girl Crush,' on the Grand Ole Opry stage, I’m already like shaking in my boots, you asked me to join the Opry in four-part angelic harmony."
In a clip from the special moment, singer Karen Fairchild leads the group in a lyric change, singing, "Kelsea Ballerini...you wanna join the Opry?" Ballerini is visibly emotional at the prospect. Watch a video here.
"It was one of the most important and cherished moments of my career," the now Opry-certified Coach reflected.
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The Voice Coach Reba McEntire did the same for Lainey Wilson
During The Voice Season 25 Live Finale, guest performer Lainey Wilson brought the house down with "Hang Tight Honey." Country legend, and Coach on that season, Reba McEntire joined her on stage to give her a beautiful gift.
"Lainey, I am so proud of you," McEntire explained. "You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I've inspired you and what you've done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I had anything to do with your career, 'cause you are blowing it up. I couldn't be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations, keep 'em all goin'. I'd like to be the person who invites you to be an official member of the Grand Ole Opry." Too sweet!
RELATED: The Meaning Behind Reba McEntire's Emotional Song "Consider Me Gone"
Learn more about the Opry in NBC's upcoming special
On March 19, NBC will air a three-hour concert and special hosted by former The Voice Coach Blake Shelton, honoring the Opry's 100-year history.
The lineup is absolutely stacked. Viewers can expect to see performances from Shelton, as well as Ashley McBryde, Brad Paisley, Carly Pearce, Carrie Underwood, Clint Black, Dierks Bentley, Garth Brooks, Kelsea Ballerini, Lainey Wilson, Luke Combs, Marty Stuart, Reba McEntire, Trace Adkins, Trisha Yearwood, Vince Gill, and a special appearance from Randy Travis.
The three-hour special, featuring performances live from Nashville, will air on NBC on Wednesday, March 19 at 8-11 p.m., ET and, and will be simulcast on Peacock.
