Bethany Caudill performs at the Grand Ole Opry

Like many singers who lend their talents to either the country, bluegrass or gospel genres, Mountain Grove’s Bethany Caudill had the ultimate dream of some day performing on the Grand Ole Opry stage in Nashville, Tenn.
Caudill’s dream became a reality on Sunday, June 9 when she was a part of a 72-person chorale during the 42nd Annual Sunday Mornin’ Country event hosted by Hall of Fame member Brenda Lee.
Fresh off her being named the top female vocalist while also earning Song of the Year honors in a Mississippi contest, Caudill’s record label, Nashville Entertainment Weekly Records, secured her a special invitation to be a part of the annual event.
The chorale, featuring performers from all over the country, backed up several country artists during the two plus hour event, that included Barbara Fairchild, John Berry and Larry Gatlin.
Caudill said she arrived in Nashville, Tenn. on June 4 to begin a week long of practice for the performance.
“It was a dream come true,” said Caudill, who enjoyed being an alto in the chorale while standing in the front row. “It’s one of my career goals. I was just so excited and I’m not over it yet…It was a milestone that I dreamed of and it happened.”
While she was excited to perform on the Grand Ole Opry stage, she does wish that her dad, who passed away last November, would have been alive to know her dream came true.
“I had told my dad a few months ago that I might some day get in the Opry and was hoping too,” she noted. “And when I got the call, I said put me down. I was just flabbergasted. The sad thing was my dad passed away in November before I did (perform), but I did get to at least tell him that some day I may get to.”
Caudill noted that she did get to take some pictures while at the Grand Ole Opry. She also had one shot taken with country legend John Berry.
Up next for Caudill is a performance at Ozark County’s Hootin’ an Hollerin’ in September and a performance at Pioneer Days in Campsville, Ill. in October.