During Chris Janson’s sold-out show at the Ryman Auditorium on Feb. 5, Keith Urban surprised the “Buy Me a Boat” singer with an official invitation to join the Grand Ole Opry. Since making his debut in 2013, Chris has racked up close to 200 Opry performances.
Keith initially joined Chris onstage to team up for a performance of John Michael Montgomery’s hit, “Sold,” before making the surprise announcement.
“To have a sold-out show at the Ryman, Chris, that’s amazing,” said Keith. “And it’s fitting it should be at the Ryman because it is, or course, one of the many homes of the Grand Ole Opry, which I am a member . . . and I remember the feeling the night that I got invited [to join]. It’s an incredible feeling and I think it’s about time you feel that way too, Chris. I would like to invite you, Chris Janson, to become the newest member of that family at the Grand Ole Opry.”
“I do not know what to say,” said Chris. “I am 100 percent speechless. So I am going to do what I do best, and I’m going to dig way back in my repertoire and I’m going to sing you the kind of music right now that I always dreamt about and studied . . . I’m gonna play you a Haggard song right now and I cannot believe I just got invited to join the Grand Ole Opry.”
Chris’ formal Opry induction will be scheduled for later this spring.
Watch Keith surprise Chris below.