Carrie Underwood was invited by Randy Travis to be the newest Opry Member. Vince found out about it last night, and he said that he'd be happy to come out tonight and help her out on the song, but the Opry told him last night that Randy was going to come out during the song and then afterwards tell her that she's been invited to become the next Opry Member. Here's a quote on what Vince thinks of her being invited: "it's a great move for the Opry...and that it's a win win for everybody."

I think this is awesome!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

And I Was there!

That was a nice surprise to see Randy Travis and witness the best night in Carrie's life!! That was the first time I have seen Randy Travis.

It's kinda soon, don't you think? It's like inducting someone into the Baseball Hall of Fame in their third year in the league!

I am a little surprised about 'how soon' --- but I think the Opry is doing the right thing bringing in such talent as Carrie right now, especially since we have been losing so many of the legends lately. I think Carrie will do the Opry justice. I'm happy for her.

I guess in baseball, if a batter hit a homeroom each and every time he came up to bat, then he would probably be eligible really fast for that Hall of Fame.

I'm just really happy for Carrie. She was very honored to have been asked.

No actually in baseball you have to have been out of the game completely for five years before you're eligible.

Ooops - didn't know that. I love baseball, and I watch my Astros, but nope, Reg, didn't kow that.

I looked up some of the induction dates of some of those who were inducted between 1986 and 1990 (Clint, Alan, Garth, Reba, Randy), and all of them were inducted with no more than 2 albums released and several #1s (or top 10s). Reba had 6 #1s and 2 albums out. Clint Black had released 2 albums and had 6 singles out, 4 of which were #1s, when he was inducted in Oct. 1990. Randy Travis had 1 album and 4 songs released, first single only went to #67...second went to #6, and the other two went to #1 when he was inducted in Dec. 1986. Carrie has released 2 albums and according to Wikipedia, released 9 singles (1 which never charted on the country charts, and two that never got into the Top 40, but of those two, 1 managed to make it's way to the Top 10 of the Pop charts). Her 10th single is about to be released and should be on the charts by the time she is inducted.

(All info comes from Wikipedia and the Grand Ole Opry Picture History Book)

Thanks for all the great info, Valerie. It seems to me that Brad Paisley was inducted quite early in his career, too. Also Dierks Bentley. I think Carrie will do the Opry proud. And while it is certainly a great honor for an artist to be inducted into the Opry, I don't think it can be compared to being inducted into the Baseball Hall of Fame - or any Hall of Fame for that matter.