Barbara Mandrell made a rare public appearance to introduce Kelsea Ballerini’s performance of ‘I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool’ at ‘Opry 100’
Country music fans were treated to a special evening at the Ryman Auditorium as Barbara Mandrell, a Country Music Hall of Famer, made a rare public appearance to introduce Kelsea Ballerini’s performance during the NBC-broadcasted “Opry 100” special on Wednesday.
Despite being separated by 47 years in their Grand Ole Opry inductions, Mandrell and Ballerini came together on stage to celebrate the enduring spirit of country music. Mandrell’s appearance marked one of only a handful of public engagements since her retirement in 1997.
As she introduced Ballerini, the crowd felt the significance of the moment, especially when the award-winning country performer sang Mandrell’s classic hit “I Was Country When Country Wasn’t Cool,” a song that has resonated with generations since its release in 1981.
Before her performance, Ballerini shared her nerves with the audience, explaining the personal significance of the song. Mandrell reflected on her earlier experiences with country music, noting the teasing she faced as a child. “When I was a child, kids used to tease me, ‘Yeehaw, country music,’ they’d say, trying to tease me or make me feel embarrassed. Years later, those same kids were adults and showed up in autograph lines,” Mandrell remarked in a 2022 interview with The Tennessean.
She continued, “It might be tacky to say that, but I’m proud of country music. I love it. It’s everything to me.”
Ballerini, who became an Opry member in 2019, labeled her induction as a “bucket list” moment. Reflecting on the opportunity to perform on such a storied stage, she stated, “To know that I can play this stage in 30 years when radio quits me and touring quits me, it’s really comforting.” This sentiment highlights the connection that Opry performances provide to country music’s rich past.
Backstage after her show-stopping performance, Ballerini expressed her gratitude for the Opry, emphasizing its role in maintaining a connection to the traditions of country music. “The Opry is a force that breathes a love for country music’s history,” she noted, reiterating her commitment to honoring those traditions through her work.
As both artists bask in the glow of their legacies, the lasting impact of their shared celebration at the Opry will surely resonate with fans and musicians alike for years to come.
