Live Review: Post Malone's Star-Studded Grand Ole Opry Debut

Ahead of his highly anticipated F-1 Trillion country album, multi-genre superstar Post Malone stepped into the sacred circle of the Grand Ole Opry to make his official debut on Monday, August 14. He had some help from country stars Lainey Wilson, Brad Paisley, Vince Gill, John Michael Montgomery, and The War And Treaty, who joined him for epic performances.

While most artists making their Opry debut get to perform two or three tunes, Post Malone was offered a thirty-minute time slot. Billed as “Post Malone and Friends Live at the Opry,” the seven-song performance was live-streamed on the Opry’s Facebook and YouTube pages and Malone’s own Facebook page.

Before Post Malone made his historic debut, his collaborators took the stage for their portion of the Opry show. Vince Gill kicked off the night with his 90s hit, Take Your Memory With You. In his humble manner, Gill took the opportunity to shine a light on his co-stars, The War And Treaty, by dedicating If You Ever Have Forever In Mind to the rising husband and wife duo. “They sing like you wish you could,” said Gill.

The War And Treaty delighted fans with a three-song set, including an electric medley of Proud Mary with their own Lover’s Game. The duo’s Michael Trotter Jr. called an audible and changed up their set, adding a tune the couple had never performed live before. Cause Of You is a love letter to his wife, Tanya, who helped him overcome the PTSD he endured from his military service.

Opry member Lainey Wilson exploded onto the stage with her energetic road warrior anthem, Hang Tight Honey, before slowly expressing gratitude for her people with 4x4xU. Further proving her reigning Entertainer of the Year status, Wilson took time to walk into the crowd, sing Happy Birthday to a fan, and have another fan help her sing Country’s Cool Again. 

Brad Paisley started his performance with a guitar lick that sounded eerily similar to the Jaws movie theme before diving into his 2009 summertime hit Water, followed by his 2001 hit Wrapped Around. Paisley hinted at the magical moments that can happen on the Opry stage before bringing out Lainey Wilson to perform a goosebump-inducing version of the sombre Whiskey Lullaby. As Wilson exited the stage, Paisley proclaimed, “That is the real deal right there. She is something.”

After a brief intermission, it was time for Post Malone’s Opry debut. Paisley, who invited Malone to perform, also made the official introduction. “This is a guy who made his mark in other formats and has a country heart,” declared Paisley. “He is someone who immersed himself in the Nashville way.” He continued, “But you aren’t a country singer until you play this,” pointing to the circle at the centre of the Opry stage.”

Post Malone took the stage, embodying the presence of a true country star. From his cowboy boots and jeans to his western hat and red solo cup in hand, Malone strutted on stage with the confidence of an artist with decades of experience under his belt buckle.

With a tip of his hat to the crowd, he soaked in the roaring applause from the crowd before speaking. “What’s going on, Nashville?” he asked with a humongous smile. “My name is Austin Richard Post. And I’m gonna play some songs tonight with some really amazing folks, friends of mine, I’m honored to call them friends of mine, and I’m so terrified and beyond honored to be standing right in this spot right here.”

He expressed his gratitude to Paisley, telling him, “I just wanted to say how amazingly grateful and beyond floored I am to have you bring me out tonight, sir.” Malone lightened the mood by joking about his tight jeans and described his fashion as a “K-Mart George Strait.”

For his first Opry performance, the 29-year-old singer brought out Vince Gill to sing One More Last Chance together. The collaboration also featured Paisley on guitar. If fans had any concerns about the cross-over star not fitting into the country format, those fears were quickly alleviated as he effortlessly performed the 90s country hit alongside the legendary Gill.

“I just wanna say how cool it is to be able to come up and rock out with people I’ve listened to my whole entire life,” said Malone, bursting at the seams with gratitude and humility. Greeting each guest with “sir” and “ma’am,” it was apparent how much he reveres the country music family.

His next guest was John Michael Montgomery, who joined Post to perform the fast-paced tongue-twister Be My Baby Tonight. 

“I’m having the freaking best time of my life,” beamed Malone, who joked that he wasn’t going to cuss. “I’m on my best behaviour tonight, ladies and gentlemen.”

He went on to describe the “beautiful” friendships he’s made in Nashville over the past six months, including Lainey Wilson. “She is honestly one of the most stunning people I have ever met in my entire life. Her heart is bigger than her hat, and her writing ability is outta control. She is just a hell of a singer and just so talented.” He even told a story of how he bought a picture of her to hang in his house.

Performing their song Nosedive together for the first time, Wilson and Malone captivated the crowd with a tune that describes the beauty that can come with pain. Their haunting harmonies are reminiscent of Lady Gaga and Bradley Cooper’s Shallow.

Brad Paisley returned to the stage to perform a new song with Malone, Goes Without Saying. The tune puts a spin on the old adage and tells the story of a woman leaving without saying goodbye.

Post brought out The War And Treaty to perform his new song, California Sober. Chris Stapleton co-wrote the song and features on the F-1 Trillion album version. The soulful jam was a perfect fit for the duo.

After five collaborations, Post Malone finished up his Opry debut with two solo performances. Already reaching the top of the charts, I Had Some Help was a crowd favourite, with fans singing at the top of their lungs. To close out the night, Malone surprised fans by taking them back in time to his 2018 hit Sunflower from the Spider-Man: Into The Spider-Verse soundtrack.

Post Malone received a standing ovation at the end of his Opry debut, with the crowd chanting “Posty!” as he wrapped up the night. As the curtain closed on the stage, he bent down at the edge of the stage to greet as many fans as possible before making his exit.

Several Opry stars, including Mark Wills, were also spotted backstage enjoying the show. “I have to say, I was very impressed with how Post Malone honored our home,” he commented on the Opry’s Facebook page. “I have witnessed many Opry debuts in my time there, and tonight may have been my favorite. Great Job, Post. What an awesome evening!”

You can watch Post Malone and Friends Live at the Opry below.