Carrie Underwood Honors Randy Travis in Emotional Opry 100 Moment That Brings Crowd to Its Feet
Two decades have passed since a 22-year-old Carrie Underwood first took the Grand Ole Opry stage, riding high after her groundbreaking win as the first country artist to claim victory on *American Idol*’s fourth season. That pivotal moment in 2005 marked the beginning of a legacy that would intertwine closely with the Opry itself. In 2008, the dream deepened when Randy Travis appeared onstage to extend her formal invitation to join the Opry family—an honor reserved for the genre’s most cherished voices.
Carrie Underwood Lights Up the Opry 100 Stage—and Social Media
Carrie Underwood’s touching tribute to Randy Travis. ❤️ #StunningVocals pic.twitter.com/I6UbU3o5sp
— Hilary ~ MollyVegas ミ☆ (@MollyVegas) March 20, 2025
The Grand Ole Opry owes its origins to a visionary idea from 1925, when the National Life and Accident Insurance Company created WSM Radio—named for their slogan, “We Shield Millions.” Broadcasting out of a modest Nashville studio, WSM began airing on October 5 of that year, unknowingly setting the stage for a cultural institution that would endure for generations.
Just weeks later, the Opry’s story truly began when broadcaster George D. Hay—famous for his earlier work on WLS’s National Barn Dance—joined WSM and launched the Barn Dance program. Featuring 77-year-old fiddler Uncle Jimmy Thompson, the show aired its first performance on November 28, 1925, giving birth to what would soon be known as the Grand Ole Opry.
Fast forward to March 19, 2025, and Carrie Underwood stood once again beneath the lights of the Grand Ole Opry stage, now an icon herself, performing at NBC’s *Opry 100: A Live Celebration*. Sharing the spotlight with greats like Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley, Carrie honored Randy Travis with two moving renditions: “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen,” songs that have become cornerstones in country music history.
What happened next would become the emotional high point of the night. As the final chorus echoed through the venue, Underwood descended from the stage and walked toward Randy Travis, who sat front row among the stars. With humility and admiration in her expression, she gently placed the microphone in his hands for the final “Amen.” The crowd erupted as he joined the tribute—silent, yet powerfully present.
“Randy Travis, everybody!” Carrie declared with heartfelt pride as the audience, already moved to tears, gave a standing ovation. The cheers were as much for Travis as they were for the moment itself—one of shared history and musical legacy.
IM NOT CRYING YOU ARE 😭 #CarrieUnderwood #Opry100 pic.twitter.com/jYTH6d0elT
— creech (not parody) (@creecher28) March 20, 2025
Since suffering a debilitating stroke in 2013, Randy Travis has remained largely out of the spotlight, his speech limited due to aphasia. But on this night, no words were necessary. His beaming smile, filled with gratitude and pride, told the entire story as the crowd stood in tribute to the legend before them.
Carrie Claims Her Place in Opry History
Standing tall under the spotlight, Carrie Underwood radiated composure and strength during *Opry 100*, proving just how far she has come since her Idol days. But even now, with over 16 ACM Awards to her name, she admits she still battles nerves in public settings.
“I always wish I could be more polished. I never know what to say,” Carrie once shared in an interview with country journalist Nancy Brooks. “I get anxious in crowds. I’ve always been the quiet one—happy just observing people from a corner.” And yet, when the music starts, Carrie Underwood becomes fearless. Her performances continue to transcend her insecurities, leaving audiences captivated by the vulnerability and power she brings to each song.
