This week, an Iowa City-native was presented with an incredible opportunity. Singer Abbie Callahan was asked to perform at Nashville's Grand Ole Opry for the very first time!

Brett Carlsen via Getty Images
Brett Carlsen via Getty Images

About Abbie Callahan

I've been a fan of Abbie Callahan since hearing her for the first time back in 2017. At the time, she was a 16-year-old sophomore at West High School in Iowa City that had just auditioned for 'The Voice.' The following year, Abbie announced that she had auditioned for 'American Idol,' and in March of 2019, we found out that she had earned a ticket to Hollywood! You can check out our 2019 interview with Abbie HERE.

Although Abbie wasn't chosen to move on during American Idol's dreaded "Hollywood Week," she has continued with her music career in Nashville. The bio on her website says that she, "cut her teeth performing nearly 300 shows a year before honing her craft on Broadway stages while studying songwriting at Belmont University." In addition to her live performances all over Nashville, Abbie will also serve as an opener for 19 dates on Orville Peck's this fall!

Abbie Callahan's Music

Abbie Callahan describes her music as “kaleidoscope country,” a blend of "Americana, folk, bluegrass, and pop, drawing inspiration from artists ranging from Patsy Cline to Sierra Ferrell, Kacey Musgraves, and Sabrina Carpenter." She's made a name for herself on the Nashville music scene with her unique voice and emotionally honest lyrics that embody the storytelling that country music is best known for. Some of her most popular songs include her 2024 release "Marry Jane" and, my personal favorite, "Simon Says" from 2025.

Abbie has a new EP on the way this fall called, 'And For My Next Trick...' It features a total of 7 songs, including "Simon Says," as well as three others that have already been released. Her latest single is "Circus," which just debuted on July 24th.

Abbie's Grand Ole Opry Debut

On August 5th, Abbie posted a video on Instagram with a major announcement... she is going to be playing the iconic Grand Ole Opry for the very first time next month! She was told the good news by country singer Willow Avalon over the phone, and the exciting moment was captured on camera:

Abbie's Grand Ole Opry debut will happen the very same day her new EP drops, on Friday, September 25th, and she's obviously thrilled by the invitation! The caption on Instagram reads:

"Pinch me!! I am counting down the days to feel the history, talent, and magic of that stage. To step into the circle where so many of my heroes have stood, the very legends who inspired me to chase this dream, this a moment I will never forget."

For the latest updates on Abbie's blossoming music career, you can follow her Instagram HERE.

Jason Kempin via Getty Images
Jason Kempin via Getty Images
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