The Grand Ole Opry has revealed the latest group of rising country artists selected for its Opry NextStage program, continuing the Opry’s century-long tradition of spotlighting emerging talent. As part of the Opry 100 celebration, the 2025 class includes Avery Anna, Chayce Beckham, Dasha, Kaitlin Butts, Kashus Culpepper, Tigirlily Gold, and Tucker Wetmore. The program, presented by Tecovas, provides a platform for these rising stars through performances and promotions across Opry Entertainment Group platforms.
“For 100 years, the Grand Ole Opry has been the cornerstone of country music, championing artists at every stage of their careers,” said Jordan Pettit, Vice President of Artist & Industry Relations for Opry Entertainment Group. “Opry NextStage continues this rich tradition by showcasing country music’s next generation through Opry platforms that connect these amazing artists to country music lovers worldwide.”
The announcement was made at an industry event hosted by WSM’s Kelly Sutton, with appearances from Opry members Ashley McBryde and Pam Tillis, along with 2019 NextStage alum Riley Green and Opry star Jelly Roll, who hosts the annual “Opry NextStage Live From Texas.” Throughout the year, the 2025 NextStage artists will receive support from Opry Entertainment Group and Tecovas through Opry performances, NextStage showcases, and increased promotion across brand platforms.
Since its inception in 2019, Opry NextStage has played a key role in launching the careers of country music’s biggest new stars. Alumni of the program have collectively earned 33 No. 1 hits, spending 43 weeks atop the Country Aircheck/Mediabase airplay chart. The program has introduced fans to artists like Hailey Whitters, Lainey Wilson, Megan Moroney, Nate Smith, Parker McCollum, Riley Green, and Tenille Townes—all of whom later won ACM New Male or Female Artist of the Year. Lainey Wilson also became the first NextStage alum to be inducted as an Opry member.
The impact of the program continues to be felt in country music. In December 2024, two NextStage alumni, Riley Green and Ella Langley, teamed up for the duet “You Look Like You Love Me,” which reached No. 1 on the Billboard Country Airplay chart. Langley became the first female artist in 12 months to claim the top spot, a milestone previously held by Lainey Wilson.
Opry NextStage has featured an impressive roster of talent in recent years, including 49 Winchester, Anne Wilson, Breland, Chapel Hart, Charles Wesley Godwin, Chase Matthew, Corey Kent, Ella Langley, Ernest, Flatland Cavalry, Ian Munsick, Jackson Dean, Josh Ross, Kameron Marlowe, Morgan Wade, Restless Road, and Wyatt Flores. With the 2025 class now set, the Grand Ole Opry continues to pave the way for the future of country music.
