Yallwire News

Blake Shelton became the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry on Saturday night. He was inducted by Opry member and friend Trace Adkins before a sold-out Opry House audience including family, friends and fans.

Before the induction, Blake said that being member of the Grand Ole Opry means everything to him:

"You know, somebody was talking to me about the CMA Awards... I mean, I'll just tell ya, that's the last freakin' thing that I even care about right now. I mean it would be cool to win something like that but it is so small compared to... to this night to me, you know? This is the reason that you move to Nashville if you're... if you're me. This is what I wanted from the beginning is to make a mark in country music, and this is the ultimate one, I think."

Adkins officially inducted Shelton into the Opry, presenting him with the Opry Member Award and saying, "With great reverence and respect, it means the world to me to be the one to hand this to you and say, 'Blake Shelton, you're the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry!'" Holding the award, Blake shared with the audience that he'd been trying to find a way to describe his thoughts on joining the Opry since having been invited to become a member on September 28. Blake said, "Last night, I was lying awake in a hotel room and I finally put it into words. I get the same feeling when I come to the Opry as when I see one of my heroes. I am in awe. To me, the Grand Ole Opry is an artist, and I'm really proud to be one of its songs."