Tyler Braden Makes Grand Ole Opry Debut: ‘It’s Still a Dream’
Country Now Artist to Watch Tyler Braden fulfilled his lifelong dream of performing on the hallowed Grand Ole Opry stage…
Tyler Braden; Photo by Chris Hollo
Country Now Artist to Watch Tyler Braden fulfilled his lifelong dream of performing on the hallowed Grand Ole Opry stage on Saturday (Jan. 8) when he stepped into the circle for the first time ever.
Making his debut performing his fan-favorite tracks “Better Off” and “Try Losing One,” Braden had the Opry audience on their feet throughout his performance.
Following his Opry debut, the rising star and former firefighter took to social media to reflect on the career defining moment.
“I can’t really put the feelings that I felt and am still feeling into a caption. Surreal is the only word that comes close,” he shared. “A mix of fact and fantasy. It happened but it’s still a dream. I played the stage, I stood in the circle, and I did what I love most, but more importantly I performed with my best friends and I felt supported beyond my wildest dreams from everyone I love. I’ll never forget last night.”
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After the performance, Braden also shared, “There are so many dreams, so many goals, and so many firsts in this industry, but that one was it. That was the one. There’s nothing like standing in that circle, and just when I thought it was everything I possibly thought it could be, I got to look around and see everyone I love. There’s no way to say it without sounding cliché, but I’ll never forget that moment.”
The country newcomer recently wrapped his time on the road with Brantley Gilbert on The Worst Country Tour Of All Time.
He’ll soon visit Atlanta’s Terminal West (1/20) and Savannah’s Saddle Bags (1/21) and has a full list of tour dates planned for the new year.
Written by
Lauren Jo Black
Lauren Jo Black, a University of Central Florida graduate, has immersed herself in the world of country music for over 15 years. In 2008, she co-founded CountryMusicIsLove, eventually selling it to a major record label in 2015. Following the rebranding of the website to Sounds Like Nashville, Black served as Editor-in-Chief for two and a half years. Currently, she assumes the role of Editor-in-Chief at Country Now and oversees Country Now’s content and digital footprint. Her extensive experience also encompasses her previous role as a Country Music Expert Writer for Answers.com and her work being featured on Forbes.com. She’s been spotlighted among Country Aircheck’s Women of Influence and received the 2012 Rising Star Award from the University of Central Florida. Black also spent time in front of the camera as host of Country Now Live, which brought live music directly to fans in 2021 when the majority of concerts were halted due to the pandemic. During this time, she hosted 24 weeks of live concerts via Country Now Live on Twitch with special guests such as Lady A, Dierks Bentley, Jordan Davis, Brett Young, and Jon Pardi. Over the course of her career, she has had the privilege of conducting interviews with some of the industry’s most prominent stars, including Reba McEntire, Blake Shelton, Luke Combs, Carrie Underwood, Luke Bryan, Miranda Lambert, Lainey Wilson, and many others. Lauren Jo Black is a longtime member of the Country Music Association and the Academy of Country Music.