Lauren Alaina was officially inducted into the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday (February 12th) by her friend and mentor Trisha Yearwood. She has appeared on the Opry more than 50 times since making her Opry debut on June 10, 2011, just after she was named runner-up on Season 10 of American Idol.
An emotional Lauren stood in the circle saying, “Ever since I was a little girl I dreamed of this moment. Both of my parents raised me with an appreciation for country music and all that it is, and all of the people who have come before me. I just want to say I promise to do everything I can to represent country music. I promise to represent this family well. I have felt like family here as long as I remember. Everyone at the Opry has always made me feel like family so for me to finally be officially in is the biggest dream come true of all time. Most little girls dreamed of their wedding; I dreamed of this. God Bless you guys and God bless country music.”
Lauren's induction included a special video message from Dolly Parton who said, “You and I have a lot in common,” said Parton via video. “We both started young, we love country music and we love the Grand Ole Opry and I’d give a million dollars if I could be there with Trisha and Garth and everyone who loves you to get you inducted into the Grand Ole Opry. I just want to wish you the best in your whole career.”
Trisha surprised Alaina before their performance of Trisha’s classic “Walkaway Joe” by introducing her husband, Garth Brooks, to the stage to play guitar for them.