Twenty years ago, Carrie Underwood took the Grand Ole Opry stage for the first time. Just 22 years old, she was fresh off her American Idol season 4 victory, when she became the first-ever country singer to win it all on the singing reality competition show. Three years later, another dream came true when Randy Travis surprised her on the Opry stage with an invitation to join the cast of the show. No doubt, Carrie Underwood is one of the Opry’s most celebrated winners, so it made sense to see the “Jesus, Take The Wheel” singer behind the mic at NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration.Carrie Underwood Sets Social Media Ablaze With ‘Opry 100’ Performance

Back in 1925, a founder of National Life and Accident Insurance Company convinced the company to launch its own radio station: WSM, named for their slogan “We Shield Millions.” Building a small studio in downtown Nashville, WSM went live for the first time on Oct. 5, 1925.

A month after WSM’s first show, National Life hired prominent announcer George D. Hay, known for his National Barn Dance program at WLS in Chicago. Hay launched the WSM Barn Dance with Uncle Jimmy Thompson, a 77-year-old fiddle player, on Nov. 28, 1925. Thus, the Grand Ole Opry was born.

On Wednesday (March 19) Carrie Underwood joined a roster of country music A-listers, including Reba McEntire and Brad Paisley, for NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration. In a callback to her own 2008 induction, the Idol champion performed two of Randy Travis’ songs: “Three Wooden Crosses” and “Forever and Ever, Amen.”

In one of the night’s most tender moments, Underwood walked over to Travis himself in the audience and handed him the mic for the final “Amen.”

“Randy Travis, everybody!” she exclaimed.

 

Travis has limited his public appearances since a near-fatal stroke in 2013 left him diagnosed with aphasia, which severely affects his ability to communicate. Fortunately, the smile glowing from his face as he soaked in the applause required no words.

Carrie Steps into Her Confidence

Performing onstage during NBC’s Opry 100: A Live Celebration, Carrie Underwood practically radiated confidence. However, this was certainly not always the case for the 16-time ACM Award winner.

“I just wish I was smoother. I never know what to say,” Underwood previously told country writer Nancy Brooks. “I’m the worst person in social situations. I am always nervous, and I’m such a quiet watcher. I love to go places and just sit and watch other people.”