One of the hottest names in country music right now helping to showcase some of next big up-and-comers.
A couple weeks ago, the Grand Ole Opry announced their 2023 Opry NextStage class.
Opry NextStage, launched in 2019, spotlights up-and-coming artists who are already making their mark in country music, and past classes have featured names like Riley Green, Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson and Parker McCollum.
The 2023 class features some incredible artists, including ERNEST, Megan Moroney, Ian Munsick, Kameron Marlowe, Jackson Dean, Chapel Hart, Corey Kent and Ashley Cooke.
And the Opry is bringing their NextStage class to Texas for a special show during ACM week.
‘Opry NextStage Live’ will be held at Lava Cantina in The Colony, Texas on May 10, the day before this year’s ACM Awards. And it’s being hosted by another one of the hottest up-and-comers in country music right now: Jelly Roll.
Fresh of his first #1 single at country radio with “Son Of a Sinner,” Jelly Roll made his Opry debut in November of 2021, and since then he’s had a monster year with his album Ballads of the Broken, which not only gave him his first chart-topping hit, but also propelled him to a sold-out show at Nashville’s Bridgestone Arena and landed him three trophies at this year’s CMT Awards.
Speaking on the Opry and its role in promoting up-and-coming artists, Jelly Roll said:
“When the Opry asked me to make my debut, it was a dream come true.
The Opry is more than just a stage – it’s a community that supports up-and-coming artists. They understand the importance of nurturing new talent and giving them a platform to shine. I’ve seen firsthand how the Opry has helped grow the careers of so many artists, and it’s an honor to be a part of that tradition.”
And the Opry’s just as big of a fan of Jelly Roll, with the Opry’s Director of Artist Relations Jordan Petit praising the star for the electricity that he brings every time he steps into the circle – saying he’s a natural choice to introduce the new NextStage Class:
“At the Opry, we take pride in providing a platform to fresh voices who are pushing the boundaries of country music, and Jelly Roll is a prime example of this ethos.
Every time he plays the Opry stage, he showcases the broad range and exciting potential of country music. That’s why we’re thrilled to have him as the official host to introduce our new NextStage class, which features incredibly talented artists who are each bringing their own bold, unique style and voice to the genre.”
If you’re in the area, general admission tickets for the show at the Lava Cantina are available here. But if you’re not and still want to check it out, the event will also livestream on Circle Network via Facebook and YouTube, as well as the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube pages.
A portion of the proceeds from the event will benefit ACM Lifting Lives, so it’s all for a good cause too.
Not a bad way to kick off ACM Awards week.
