10 years after making her debut on the Opry stage, Lauren Alaina was surprised over the weekend and invited to become a member of the Grand Ole Opry by friend/mentor Trisha Yearwood.

Artists were making video appearances sharing their Christmas wishes during the show; and when it was time for Yearwood to share her wish, she said: “Also, is that Lauren Alaina because I think that’s Lauren Alaina, is that you? Junior (her nickname for Alaina), I have a present for you. Hold on.” Yearwood then made her way out to the stage to surprise Alaina, saying: “I have some surprises for you too. I know your Mom is here and I know your Dad is as well. He’s super proud of you right now because I have the honor of asking you on behalf of the Grand Ole Opry if you will please accept our invitation to become the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.” Alaina fell to her knees and began to cry, and after catching her breath she said: “I did not expect this. You are my hero. I could not have picked a more perfect person to ask me. She calls me Junior- y’all I’m in her phone as Junior which is the coolest thing to have happened to me besides this!”

Said Yearwood: “You are the real deal. You’ve played over 50 times. It’s obvious what this means to you. This is a very special club to be in so you have to understand what the Opry means to be asked. It’s such an honor. Country music is in good hands with you. Soak up every second!”

Alaina’s induction into the Opry will take place in early 2022, with a date TBD.

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