‘American Idol’ Finalist Jordan McCullough Opens Up About His Opry Debut and Manifesting a Chris Young Duet [Exclusive]

American Idol Season 24 runner-up Jordan McCullough has a lot of exciting plans in the works now that his journey on the singing competition show has come to an end. One of the most anticipated moments he currently has on the books is his Grand Ole Opry debut on June 18.

As a Murfreesboro native, getting the chance to step into the coveted circle in his home state is nothing short of an honor for McCullough. Before taking the stage for 19 Recordings’ “American Idol” Takeover event ahead of CMA Fest, the rising star spoke with Country Now and reflected on the moment he learned the news.

“I was surprised with that in my hometown when I was here for the show and I’m just excited to get to do that… I’m like the Grand Ole Opry? As in the circle, the Grand Ole Opry? They said, ‘yeah.’ And I said, ‘okay, let’s do it.’”

The invitation came during a surprise visit to the Opry earlier this month. While blindfolded, he unknowingly made his way onto the historic stage, where the host of that night’s show, Kelly Sutton, told him, “we want you to come back here next month and make your Grand Ole Opry debut.”

Once McCullough got past the initial wave of shock that struck him, he happily accepted the invitation. He later admitted to Country Now that he is “so excited” and the fact that he will soon get to deliver his first performance in the Opry is “blowing my mind.”

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“See Me,” his debut single, was first unveiled during the American Idol takeover event at 6th and Peabody on June 3, and will see its official release later this month.

Teasing what to expect from the track, McCullough noted that it serves as the “perfect song that wraps up my moment and my journey on American Idol. And I think it’ll give a lot of people perspective into what I felt coming in second place on the show and yeah, hoping that people just see me for who I am and going along the journey because here we are. It’s about to get started.”

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Sharing the June 18 Grand Ole Opry lineup with Jordan McCullough are Tori Kelly, Rhonda Vincent, Redferrin, Gene Watson, Caroline Jones, Neal McCoy, and Chris Young. Since Young is also scheduled to perform that night, McCullough admitted he’s already manifesting the chance for the two of them to share the stage during his milestone Opry debut.

“I’ll also have some friends that’ll be on the lineup that I’m really excited to see. Chris Young will also be there and I am the biggest Chris Young fan. So I’m hoping maybe I can manifest us singing together or maybe I’ll sing one of his songs,” he shared. “I’ll probably have to start working on my outfit though, get some boots and a hat together.”

Fans should keep an eye on Jordan McCullough’s official website to see where he will be performing next.