At the Grand Ole Opry’s 100th Anniversary celebration, country superstar Keith Urban delivered one of the night’s most unforgettable moments with a heartfelt tribute to the legendary Crystal Gayle. The performance didn’t just honor her incredible legacy—it reminded everyone why country music continues to thrive through generations of iconic voices and genuine admiration.
A Tribute Fit for a Queen of Country
Crystal Gayle, known for her unmistakable voice and timeless hits like “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”, has been a pillar of country music for decades. Her elegance, grace, and trailblazing career have inspired artists across genres—and Keith Urban is no exception.
Taking the stage at Opry 100, Urban shared a few touching words about Crystal’s impact on country music, her groundbreaking crossover success, and the way her songs shaped the sound of the genre.
“She first played at the Opry when she was 16 years of age. She was later inducted as a member right here on this very stage by her big sister, Loretta Lynn. She’s always been her own artist.” He continued, “She became the first female country artist ever to have a platinum-selling album, the first one ever.”
A Moment That Brought the Crowd to Their Feet
With his signature smooth vocals and heartfelt delivery, Keith performed a stunning rendition of “Don’t It Make My Brown Eyes Blue”, putting his own spin on the classic while staying true to the emotion that made it iconic. As he sang, the cameras captured Crystal Gayle watching from the audience, visibly touched and smiling with tears in her eyes.
The crowd responded with a roaring standing ovation, not just for Keith’s performance—but for the woman whose music has left a permanent mark on the heart of country. After that, Keith Urban continued his performance with his hit “Wasted Time,” released in 2016. You can watch a short clip from the performance below.
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💬 Fans React: “A Full-Circle Moment”
The tribute instantly lit up social media, with fans posting clips and sharing emotional reactions:
“Keith Urban honoring Crystal Gayle at Opry 100?? Country royalty recognizing country royalty!”
“I didn’t know I needed to hear Keith sing that song until now—wow.”
“This was a full-circle moment. You could see how much love was in that room.”
Opry 100: A Celebration of Legends
The Opry 100 celebration brought together an incredible lineup of artists, including Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire, Post Malone, Eric Church, and Randy Travis, to honor a century of legendary music. But Keith Urban’s tribute to Crystal Gayle stood out as a genuine highlight—a passing of the torch from one legend to another.
Crystal Gayle is more than a name in country music—she’s a legacy. And thanks to Keith Urban, her moment at Opry 100 was just as iconic as her voice.
Watch the unforgettable tribute in the video below—and don’t forget to share it with someone who still sings her songs like it’s 1977.
