North Dakotans Who Have Performed At The Grand Ole Opry Before

The Grand Ole Opry...Country Music's biggest stage.

We decided to surprise my son on his 21st birthday this past summer and take him and his girlfriend to Nashville, Tennessee.

He is a big country music fan, and we figured that what better way for a country music fan to celebrate a milestone birthday.

We hit all the biggest country bars in downtown Nashville, like Luke Bryan's, Lainey Wilson's, Miranda Lambert's, Eric Church's, Morgan Wallen's, and my favorite, Jason Aldean's.

We also went to CMA Fest on the banks of the Cumberland River in Nashville, where we saw Ella Langley, Parmalee, Tucker Wetmore, George Birge, and more. It was pretty much the perfect birthday for a 21-year-old.

We also did something that ended up being one of my favorite things of the trip. We toured the Grand Ole Opry. Country Music's biggest stage.

How does one get the opportunity to perform at the Grand Ole Opry?

It's a prestigious gig to say the least. I asked this question to our tour guide, and he told me an artist needs a successful career, including radio airplay, record sales, and touring, to start.

The Opry's management makes the final decision, but a nomination with an existing Opry member is also a factor.

This got me thinking, how many North Dakotans have actually performed on the Grand Ole Opry stage before?

I asked this question of our tour guide as well, and he only knew of three acts. I did some extensive research after our tour, and I also only came up with 3 acts.

Before we get to that. How would you like a tour of the historic Grand Ole Opry? Free of charge? (I had to pay $120 for my family)

The first, and arguably the most famous country artist from North Dakota ever, is Lynn Anderson. 

Lynn Anderson was born and raised in my hometown of Grand Forks, North Dakota. She charted 5 number one hits and charted 18 top-ten singles on the Billboard Country Charts.

Anderson performed at the Grand Ole Opry numerous times over the course of her legendary career.

The 2nd North Dakotan to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage is Hebron, North Dakota's very own Gwen Sebastian.

Gwen grew up on a farm outside of Hebron, North Dakota, and got her big break when she performed on The Voice, where she worked with both Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert.

Sebastian has performed multiple times at the Grand Ole Opry, both solo and alongside Blake Shelton. Gwen Sebastian is now a backup singer for Miranda Lambert.

The 3rd and final act to perform on the stage of the Grand Ole Opry from North Dakota is Tigirlily Gold.

The sister duo was born and raised in Hazen, North Dakota, and has really made a name for themselves in Nashville over the last several years, including winning an ACM in 2024.

Tigirlily Gold has also performed at the Grand Ole Opry numerous times.

That's it, the only North Dakotans to ever perform on the historic country music stage known as the Grand Ole Opry.

If you are ever in Nashville, make sure the Opry is on your list to visit. Something every country music fan should see at least once in their lives.