Here's the short answer: pretty good.
But it depends on what you mean by “popular.”
The Grand Ole Opry posts its lineup on their website, and you can see exactly who's performing before you buy tickets. Some nights feature big names like Carrie Underwood, Vince Gill, or Garth Brooks. Other nights showcase artists you might not recognize — but that doesn't mean the show won't blow you away.
One visitor shared: “I went there a few years ago, not knowing anybody in the lineup and it was one of the best shows I've ever seen.”
Check The Schedule (But Don't Stress Too Much)
The Opry website shows the lineup for each show, usually getting more detailed as the date approaches. If you've got your heart set on seeing someone specific, book when they're scheduled.
But here's the thing — even if you don't recognize the names, you're in for a treat.
Surprise Guests Are A Real Thing
The Opry loves surprise guests, and some of the biggest names in country music just…pop in.
“I was there last weekend and Garth was the last to go on and it was a total surprise!” one visitor said.
Another shared: “We went this past Saturday night and they inducted Kathy Mattea but a surprise guest was Trisha Yearwood!”
Someone else got lucky: “Ashley McBride was announced the week before. And then Eric Church was a surprise add on for a song.”
These pop-ins happen more often than you'd think, especially if the lineup isn't full.
You'll Discover New Artists (And Songs You Already Know)
Here's something cool — many Opry performers are songwriters who've written hits for the big names.
“We saw 8 performers and the only 2 we didn't like were the ones we knew,” one person joked.
Another visitor explained: “We didn't necessarily know of the other artists, they were songwriters of songs we knew. It was an amazing show!”
One guest watched Don Schlitz perform — never heard of him, but recognized all his songs. Turns out he wrote for Kenny Rogers and other major artists.
Recent Lineups Have Been Solid
Here's who people have seen lately:
One September show featured Jelly Roll, Bailey Zimmerman, Priscilla Block, Lanie Gardner, and Marcus King.
Another lineup included Lainey Wilson, Joe Nichols, Vince Gill, Mark Wills, and Eddie Montgomery.
Someone caught Eric Pasely, Randy Houser, Oak Ridge Boys, Gatlin Brothers, Levi Hummon, and Carrie Underwood.
“We had a great time!!” they said.
The Opry 100 Shows Are Special
This year, the Opry is celebrating 100 years with special birthday shows. These tend to feature bigger names and memorable performances.
If you're planning a trip, these shows might be worth targeting.
What If You Don't Know Anyone?
Go anyway.
Seriously.
“Just go! I promise you won't regret,” one visitor said simply.
Another put it this way: “What is a ‘popular' singer. You mean a more mainstream well known act who appears in the charts. For me personally I enjoyed watching people I hadn't heard of much as it is a chance to see and hear something you normally wouldn't do.”
A California visitor who'd never heard of any of the five performers shared: “Turns out one young lady was making her Opry debut, she was awesome. Another gentleman was a writer for Kenny Rogers and some other artist. He sang his songs he wrote. BTW. Just because you don't recognize the names I can assure you they are all great.”
House Show Nights Are Wild Cards
Some nights are “house shows” where they don't post the lineup when you buy tickets. These can be hit or miss — but the hits are memorable.
“I was there on a ‘house show night' and Crystal Gayle closed the show! She was fantastic. Larry Gatlin hosted the night and he also did a couple songs with the Gatlin Brothers. The other musicians were up and comers and they were outstanding.”
The Bottom Line
One visitor summed it up perfectly after going 12 times over the years: “All have been great. We have been introduced to some great performers there that we haven't heard previously. Always choose the Opry.”
Another said: “Everyone there is spectacular. Just go.”
And honestly? That's probably the best advice. Check the schedule if you want. Book when someone you love is performing if that matters to you. But don't skip the Opry just because you don't recognize every name.
The show is the show — and it's always good.
