The Grand Ole Opry announced its initial artists for its Opry NextStage Class of 2022, an artist discovery program that spotlights Country music’s rising talent and highlights one artist per month with featured original content, an Opry performance and support across the Opry Entertainment platforms, which include the Opry, Ryman Auditorium, WSM Radio, Ole Red and Circle Network. Breakthrough artists Elvie Shane (May), Morgan Wade (June) and BRELAND (July) are the first three featured artists, with more to be announced throughout the year to complete the class with a total of seven artists.
“My Boy” singer Elvie Shane, who Billboard notes is “making the case for a new mainstay in country music,” made his Grand Ole Opry debut just over a year ago. He will return to the historic Opry stage on May 7 to mark his inclusion in the NextStage Class of 2022.
“The Opry has been at the forefront of keeping Country music alive and well since its inception,” says Shane. “I came from a place both literally and musically built on the same values and experiences. To be recognized by the Country music congregation that is the Opry is a huge honor.”
