US country music star Luke Combs is playing a pivotal role in the burgeoning popularity of country music in the UK, which has recently become the fastest growing musical genre among British listeners, achieving three billion streams last year alone. Combs, with over 25 million monthly Spotify listeners and 7.5 million Instagram followers, attributes this surge to the universal appeal of country music. Speaking exclusively to BBC News, he said, "I just think country music is a place that everybody can go and enjoy." He highlighted the importance of touring and connecting with UK fans personally, noting that early in his career, many country artists rarely toured the UK. "If we invest our time and our energy into coming over here, the fans over here will appreciate that," Combs said.

This growing enthusiasm for country music in Britain is underscored by a historic event that marks a significant milestone for the genre: the Grand Ole Opry, the iconic and longest-running live radio show synonymous with country music, is celebrating its 100th anniversary with a live performance at London’s Royal Albert Hall on September 26, 2025. This will be the very first time the Opry has been broadcast beyond the United States, symbolising the global expansion of country music. The event will feature major Opry members such as Luke Combs, Ashley McBryde, Carly Pearce, Darius Rucker, and Marty Stuart, alongside British artists including Breabach and Mumford & Sons. According to the official Opry announcement, the lineup will showcase a blend of contemporary and classic country hits, reflecting the genre’s international resonance.

This landmark performance at the Royal Albert Hall is a major moment for both artists and fans. Combs, who made his Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville in 2016, described playing at the Royal Albert Hall as a "bucket list" achievement. He expressed excitement about combining the prestige of the Opry with one of London’s most renowned venues, calling it “insane” and a fusion of "two epic things combined into one." Industry reports and country music platforms have emphasised the significance of this event, noting that the Opry’s move overseas is a clear indicator of country music’s rising popularity and cultural impact in the UK. It highlights how the genre, traditionally American, is finding fresh audiences and collaborators in Britain, strengthening transatlantic ties in the music industry.

The partnership of the Grand Ole Opry with UK artists and the choice of London for this historic anniversary broadcast epitomises the genre’s expanding global footprint. The event not only honours the legacy of legendary performers like Johnny Cash, Elvis Presley, and Dolly Parton who have graced the Opry stage but also signals a new era where country music is evolving and reaching new frontiers. For British fans, this celebration at the Royal Albert Hall offers a rare and significant opportunity to experience the heart of country music culture live, reinforcing the genre’s growing accessibility and appeal across borders.

📌 Reference Map:

Source: Noah Wire Services