I think the picture above sums up what the evening was all about. Watching Carrie's Dream come true as she was inducted into the Opry was a night I will never forget. Carrie is such an amazing artist and classy young woman and that was all evident last night as she joined an exclusive club of Country artists.
I think I actually spent more time in planes getting to Nashville than I did actually in Nashville. I flew from Maine to Charlotte to Denver and then on to Nashville. I got to my hotel around 1 am Saturday morning. After a few hours sleep I took the hotel shuttle to the Opry. I went by the Opry store, but decided to wait until later in the day to get the Carrie induction poster. I knew it was going to be a long day and I didn't want the poster to get ruined before I had a chance to get it home. I had a few hours to kill before the Fan Club members going to the show were meeting at the mall food court, so I decided to take in a movie. After the movie, I made my way to the food court and met so many FC members whose posts I read all the time. Everyone was so nice and easy going. Meeting so many FC members was one of the highlights of the weekend for me. As we chatted, we got a few stares from other people at the food court, but it didn't matter. It was Carrie's big day and we were there to support her.
As we made our way to the Opry for the photo shoot, the anticipation really started to get to most of us. A special shout out to Glenn for setting up the photo opportunity for all of us. The last minute involvement of the FC people was a welcome suprise. To be honest I had trouble believing that Carrie would be able to make it to the photo shoot. It's not like she didn't have a million things going on during the day and into the evening. As I watched Carrie make her way from the tour bus to our location, I was really moved that Carrie was taking the time on her big day to make us all feel a part of her amazing evening. Looking back on it now, I guess I really shouldn't have been suprised. After all it was just Carrie being Carrie, and that is why we all love her. As she left to go back to get ready for her perfomance, Carrie thanked us for coming out, especially those who traveled a long way. I've said it before but it needs to be said again, Carrie is a woman of Class...
As I made my way to my seat for the show I was thinking what a great day it had been and the funny part was that the best was yet to come. I am sure that you all were watching the Induction show on GAC so I want go into to much detail about the show, but there are a few things that I would like to share. I thought Carrie's speech was wonderful!!! As expected, Carrie got a little emotional, so she needed a little touch up during the comercial break.
One of the memories that will stay with me forever was watching Carrie as she kept looking at the statue and not wanting to put it down. It was as if looking at it and holding it made it all real for Carrie.
Watching Carrie sing "JTTW" with Vince Gill, as she held her award is a moment I will never forget.
The second show at the Opry is always fun. I thought it was really cute how they had Carrie watch herself being inducted earlier in the evening.
I thought it was very touching when Carrie brought the statue out and set it on the stage as she sang during the second show. She really didn't want to let that symbol of the night out of her sight.
Watching Carrie dance with the Opry square dancers was a perfect way to end the evening. She looked like she was having a great time. Vince is such a good guy and Carrie is lucky to call him a friend.
After an early morning flight, i am back in Denver and looking forward to Carries concert in Colorado Springs on Tuesday. After that it is on to the CMA fest and the Fan Club Party.
Here is a link to all of my pictures from last night:
tcnole/carries opry induction12 - Photobucket - Video and Image Hosting
thanks to Ver for the set! iloveit.
