Garth Brooks invites Scotty McCreery to join the Grand Ole Opry on Dec. 3, 2023 in Nashville.Photo:Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry
Scotty McCreeryhas reached a new milestone!
Brooks walked onto the legendary venue holding a large box decorated with gold wrapping paper and a large red bow. After the two bantered about opening the box, McCreery finally gave in and began to remove the gift wrap.
“Watch out — I got a card in there that I hand-signed myself. Don’t open it. Not till Christmas. Seriously,” joked Brooks.
After McCreery joked that he would do “whatever Garth Brooks says,” Brooks, 61, said that the “gift inside isn’t here yet. Tonight is merely an invitation.”
The crowd began to cheer as they became aware of what was happening and Brooks said, “On behalf of the Grand Ole Opry — and this is a Christmas present to the Grand Ole Opry — we would love to invite you to be the newest member of the Opry.”
“Holy cow. Yes, I would love to. I grew up listening to your records Garth and you’re a part of what made me want to do this for a living … I didn’t think that dream would become a reality, but it is because of all of y’all sitting in this house tonight,” he replied. “God bless y’all.”
Scotty McCreery at the Grand Ole Opry in Nashville on Dec. 3, 2023.Chris Hollo/Grand Ole Opry

McCreery noted that one of his career goals has always been to join the Grand Ole Opry and shared on his Instagram Story that he has “not stopped smiling.”
In the comment section of a clip of the special moment that wasshared on Instagram, fellowAmerican IdolalumJames Durbinwrote, “Absolutely incredible. I’m so happy for your journey brother!! Always cheering you on 🙏🏽🎤🖤”
Since the release ofhis 2021 album,Same Truck,McCreeryhas been on the roadand welcomed his sonMerrick Averyin October 2022 withhis wife Gabi.
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“It was a lot of emotions. Pride and love, for sure,” he recalled to PEOPLE in December 2022 of seeing his son for the first time. “It was just instant, unconditional love. I’ve never felt a love like that, never knew a love like that could exist, and at the same time was just so proud of Gabi and all the hard work she did during this time.”
source: people.com