The Grand Ole Opry recently announced its 2026 Opry NextStage class, which features a diverse group of rising stars in the country music scene. This announcement took place at the prestigious Grand Ole Opry House in Nashville on 24 February and was sponsored by Tecovas. The event attracted notable figures in the music industry, including famed artists Vince Gill and Ella Langley, who were present to offer encouragement and insights to the new talents.
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This year’s class includes a total of nine artists: Alexandra Kay, Carter Faith, Emily Ann Roberts, Graham Barham, Hudson Westbrook, Jake Worthington, Tyler Braden, Vincent Mason, and Willow Avalon. Each artist brings a unique sound and perspective, showcasing the wide-ranging styles that characterise contemporary country music.
The selection process for the Opry NextStage class aims to highlight emerging talents who are making a significant impact within the genre. This year’s group spans various musical styles, from traditional country to innovative, genre-blending sounds, thereby reflecting the current landscape of Nashville’s music scene.
Among the notable members is Alexandra Kay, a multifaceted talent from Waterloo, Illinois. At 34, Kay has gained recognition not only from her musical career but also from her appearance on Netflix’s series *Westside*. Her indie debut, *All I’ve Ever Known*, reached the top of the iTunes charts in 2023, and she recently completed her Second Wind tour, which took her across the United States in late 2025.
Carter Faith, a 25-year-old singer-songwriter from Davidson, North Carolina, has enjoyed a breakthrough year with her album *Cherry Valley*, which has received critical acclaim. In 2026, she is set to support renowned artists like George Strait and Chris Stapleton on their concert tours, increasing her visibility in the industry.
Emily Ann Roberts, 27, originally from Knoxville, Tennessee, first gained attention as a contestant on *The Voice* in 2016. She established her artistic voice with her 2023 release *Can’t Hide Country*, and her recent single “Whipped” has sparked interest with its clever lyrics exploring the lengths one might go for love.
From Oak Ridge, Louisiana, Graham Barham, 27, stands out with a musical style he describes as “Club Country,” merging elements of country, pop, and rap. He has earned acclaim with his gold record hit “WHISKEY WHISKEY” and is currently on his WHISKEY RAIN tour, which is set to run until March 2026.
Hudson Westbrook, a 21-year-old artist from Texas, quickly gained recognition with his chart-topping track “House Again,” leading to over a billion streams across his music. The upcoming year will see him touring alongside established artists like George Strait and Morgan Wallen.
Jake Worthington, 30, from La Porte, Texas, embodies the spirit of traditional country music. He has collaborated with significant figures such as Miranda Lambert and is poised to join Luke Combs and Luke Bryan on tour in 2026, further cementing his place in the genre.
Tyler Braden, 33, hailing from Slapout, Alabama, made waves with his platinum-certified single “DEVIL YOU KNOW.” Following the release of his latest track “Dry Country,” he is set to perform at stadium shows with notable artists like Dierks Bentley and Darius Rucker.
Vincent Mason, 25, from Roswell, Georgia, recently rose to prominence with his hit single “Hell Is a Dance Floor,” which accumulated significant streaming numbers. His debut project *There I Go* combines traditional country sounds with acoustic songwriting, and he will also tour with Morgan Wallen.
Finally, Willow Avalon, 27, from Carlton, Georgia, captivated audiences with her 2025 project *Southern Belle Raisin’ Hell*. Her distinctive vocal style has garnered attention, and she is scheduled for international tours in 2026, including performances in Europe, the UK, and Australia alongside Brooks & Dunn.
The event was moderated by Opry host Kelly Sutton, who guided a discussion with several new artists in attendance, including Gill and Langley, who offered valuable insights. Gill expressed the unique sense of support that the Opry community provides, regardless of an artist’s career trajectory, while Langley highlighted the friendships she has formed through her experience in the NextStage program.
The 2026 Opry NextStage class is set to participate in various Grand Ole Opry events and showcases throughout the year. The platform not only promotes their music but also fosters community among these rising stars, helping to nurture their careers in the competitive world of country music.