Lauren Watkins just got the surprise of a lifetime, and it came with a ticket straight to country music's most iconic stage.

While on the road with Zach Top for his Cold Beer and Country Music Tour, the rising country star was brought to tears during their stop in Indianapolis, Ind., after receiving an unexpected invite to make her Grand Ole Opry debut.

The emotional moment unfolded after Watkins joined Top on stage for a nostalgic duet of Barbara Mandrell's "I Was Country When Country Wasn't Cool."

As the final chord rang out, Watkins began to walk offstage,  but Top had other plans.

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"Lauren, Lauren, wait," he called out, stopping her in her tracks. "Before you go anywhere, we have something very special to announce tonight. I'm honored to get to give you the news."

A visibly nervous Watkins replied, "I'm scared."

"Don't be scared, it's wonderful, I promise," he reassured her with a grin. "Mrs. Lauren Watkins will be making her Grand Ole Opry debut on June 20th. Congratulations, you're going to kill it."

The audience erupted in cheers as Watkins broke down in happy tears, pacing the stage in disbelief. Born and raised in Nashville, Tenn., the moment marked the culmination of a lifelong dream.

"Playing the Grand Ole Opry has been at the top of my bucket list for as long as I can remember," Watkins later shared in a press release. "Growing up in Nashville, I first went as a kid. To this day, I still have the same feeling of respect and awe as when I first sat in the crowd and listened to the music. It's one of those things I don't know if I'll ever feel 'worthy' of doing, but I am so proud to have the invite, and I can't wait to step into that circle."

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Watkins followed up the announcement with news of a new single, "I'll Get Through It," dropping soon (May 30). Co-written by Watkins alongside Brett and Brad Warren and produced by ACM and CMA Award-winner Will Bundy, the track leans into her signature grit and authentic storytelling. 

This heartache anthem doesn't just cut deep with its sharp-edged lyrics, it also showcases her soulful vocals in full force. She tackles heartbreak with the grit and grace of a seasoned pro because, in this story, she heartbreakingly plays one.

Fans attending Morgan Wallen's Sand in My Boots festival earlier this month (May 16 –18) were treated to an early preview of the track.

For those who've followed her journey, Watkins' Opry debut was a long time coming. The 25-year-old has been immersed in country music since birth – growing up on the outskirts of Nashville. After four years at Ole Miss, Watkins returned to Music City and quickly caught the attention of GRAMMY-nominated songwriter and Songs & Daughters founder Nicolle Galyon, who signed her to both publishing and recording deals with Songs & Daughters / Big Loud Records.

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Watkins made a big splash in 2024 with her debut album, The Heartbroken Record –  a 17-track deep dive into heartbreak that followed her first two EPs. With raw storytelling, a magnetic presence, and powerhouse vocals, she quickly proved she's a force to be reckoned with in country music.

As Watkins makes waves alongside country heavyweights like Top, Riley Green, and Lainey Wilson on the road, fans are quickly realizing she was born to dominate the country music genre. And now, with an invitation to perform on the genre's most sacred stage, the rest of the world is about to witness what her fans have known all along… she's the real deal.

Photo credit: Josie Keenan