Entertainment Music Country Lainey Wilson Invited to Join the Grand Ole Opry by Reba McEntire — Live on The Voice Finale! The country star received the honor after her performance on the show on May 21 By Escher Walcott Escher Walcott Escher Walcott is a Writer/Reporter at PEOPLE, covering stories in Entertainment, Style, Human Interest.She joins having written for several popular news publications, including Glamour, Refinery29, NYLON and Evening Standard, discussing the latest fashion trends, pop culture news, and pressing social matters. People Editorial Guidelines Updated on May 22, 2024 07:50AM EDT Close Reba McEntire and Lainey Wilson. Photo: Tyler Golden/NBC Lainey Wilson is set to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry! Following her performance on The Voice finale on Tuesday, May 21, the country singer, 32, was surprised onstage by Reba McEntire with an invitation to be inducted as a member of the prestigious organization celebrating country stars. “Lainey, I am so proud of you. You did a wonderful job. I have heard that I have inspired you in what you have done so far, and I am thrilled to death if I have had anything to do with your career because you are blowing it up,” the Voice coach, 69, told Wilson. “I was so proud of you at the ACMs the other night and I couldn’t be more proud to be the one that helps you continue to bridge the gap between our generations. I’d like to be the person to invite you to become an official member of the Grand Ole Opry.” Wilson was presented with a belt buckle marking her induction as an Opry member during 'The Voice' finale on May 21. Tyler Golden/NBC Lainey Wilson Says She's Still the 'Little Girl' Who'd Stargaze on Her Roof as She Wins Entertainer of the Year at 2024 ACMs Wilson appeared visibly emotional to get the honor as fellow Opry member McEntire, 69, presented her with a custom-made belt buckle displaying the words, “Opry Lainey 2024,” while getting a standing ovation from the judges and audience. “Holy moly!” Wilson shouted in reaction as she hugged McEntire. “That’s a birthday gift right there!” she added after celebrating her birthday on May 19. “My family's over here tonight and I will say they took me to Nashville when I was 9 years old and we went to the Grand Ole Opry and we saw Bill Anderson, Crystal Gayle and Little Jimmy Dickens," Wilson continued. "I knew that I wanted to play there, I wanted to do it.” Lainey Wilson Says She's Hanging with Boyfriend Duck Hodges, Jelly Roll and Bunnie Xo After 2024 ACMs (Exclusive) “And it is so crazy that you are asking me to be a member because I look up to you so much,” she added to McEntire. “I'm not talking about just musically, but the way that you carry yourself and your work ethic. You inspire me every day.” Never miss a story — sign up for PEOPLE's free daily newsletter to stay up-to-date on the best of what PEOPLE has to offer, from celebrity news to compelling human interest stories. Wilson has celebrated a milestone month so far after also winning the Academy of Country Music Awards' entertainer of the year on May 17. The country star beat fellow nominees Kane Brown, Luke Combs, Jelly Roll, Cody Johnson, Chris Stapleton and Morgan Wallen for the honor. Wilson also performed at the ceremony.