The Grand Ole Opry, in partnership with Tecovas, has unveiled its latest selection of artists for the Opry NextStage initiative, aimed at promoting the next generation of country music stars. The 2024 Opry NextStage lineup features an impressive array of nine talented acts: 49 Winchester, Anne Wilson, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Ella Langley, Flatland Cavalry, Josh Ross, Madeline Edwards, and Wyatt Flores, all set to grace the Opry stage and benefit from extensive exposure across Opry Entertainment Group’s various platforms.
At a press event held at the iconic Grand Ole Opry House, the announcement was made by Lainey Wilson, a former Opry NextStage participant who has since claimed the titles of CMA Entertainer of the Year and GRAMMY-award winner, alongside Jamey Johnson, an acclaimed Opry member and recipient of both ACM and CMA awards.
Wilson expressed her enthusiasm about the announcement, stating, “I’m so honored to be announcing the Opry NextStage program class of 2024. As someone who was a part of the NextStage class in 2021, this is a full-circle moment for me. I am such a huge fan of all of these artists, and I can’t wait to see where their musical journeys take them this year!”
Johnson shared his wisdom with the new class, advising, “Listen to the spirit that led you to this point tonight, and don’t ever stray from it.”
Throughout the year, these artists will enjoy the support of Opry Entertainment Group and Tecovas, the initiative’s sponsor, through a series of original content, performances, and promotional efforts across the brand’s platforms.
Gillian Kennedy, CMO at Tecovas, highlighted the brand’s commitment to music and its role in celebrating the Western spirit, stating, “At Tecovas, we believe music is an essential way to tap into the true spirit of the West. We are honored to help connect rising talent with new fans and be the first boot sponsor and official presenter of Opry NextStage. There is no better venue for this mission than the legendary Grand Ole Opry, and we can’t wait to watch these artists showcase their craft to the world.”
The Opry NextStage program, since its inception in 2019, has been instrumental in introducing emerging talent to the country music audience, boasting alumni like Riley Green, Parker McCollum, Tenille Townes, and Lainey Wilson, who have all achieved significant acclaim following their participation.
For detailed information on Opry NextStage, interested parties are encouraged to visit opry.com/nextstage.
The Grand Ole Opry and Opry Entertainment Group’s Opry NextStage is a testament to their ongoing dedication to discovering and supporting new talent, offering them a platform to share their music and stories with a wider audience, continuing a legacy that has significantly contributed to the careers of many of country music’s biggest names.