As beloved Hallmark Channel stars Nikki DeLoach and Kristoffer Polaha film their just-announced movie, “Grand Ole Opry Christmas,” the network revealed on August 25, 2025, that a dozen country music artists have joined the cast.
Grammy winner Brad Paisley was already involved, per Hallmark press materials, recruited to write music for the movie and an anthem for Hallmark’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming. Actress Sharon Lawrence has joined the project, too. And the addition of 12 more country artists, filming at the iconic Nashville venue, had DeLoach pinching herself with delight.
Which Country Stars Are Making Cameos in ‘A Grand Ole Opry Christmas’ Movie?
Carson Daly broke the news on the “TODAY Show,” revealing that the list of country artists who’ve signed on to appear in “A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” includes 2024 CMA New Artist of the Year Megan Moroney, country legend Bill Anderson, Jamey Johnson, Rhett Akins, bluegrass duo Dailey & Vincent, Drew Baldridge, Maggie Baugh, Suzy Bogguss, sister duo Tigirlily Gold, Mickey Guyton, Pam Tillis, and the band Riders in the Sky.
Twenty-five-year-old Baugh, a rising star in Nashville, wrote on social media right after the announcement, “Honored beyond words🫶 I am so unbelievably honored to have a cameo in the brand new Hallmark film ‘Grand Ole Opry Christmas.’ The most iconic venue with the most incredible list of artists, and I can’t believe I get to say I’m a part of it. Woke up to the announcement this morning on the Today’s Show. Pinch me.”
In addition to the 12 artists who’ve climbed on board, Paisley, a longtime Opry member, is expected to perform in the movie, marking this the first year he’s in a Hallmark holiday flick instead of his wife, Kimberly Williams Paisley (as of August 25, she hadn’t been confirmed for any new Hallmark movies and is filming the new series “Nashville 9-1-1”).
In a press statement on August 11, Paisley said, “The Hallmark Channel to me is a major part of finding the joy and the spirit of the holidays. We turn it on and leave it on in our house like Christmas tree lights or decorations, it’s a major part of the atmosphere for us.”
“I loved the challenge of creating that same magic with this music,” he continued, “by letting it take you to the same place that these movies and this world Hallmark has built. Can’t wait for you to hear what all we’ve done. Also, knowing the Opry is the setting for one of these movies is very inspiring.”
Nikki DeLoach Says She’ll ‘Never Forget’ Filming Movie at the Grand Ole Opry
Meanwhile, DeLoach shared on August 25 what a surreal experience it’s been filming the new movie at the Grand Ole Opry, posting behind-the-scenes videos and photos.
She captioned her post, “Since I was a child, I watched The Grand Ole Opry make the dreams of so many a reality. It is a place where dreams are realized, hearts are touched and people commune under the lights, like a musical church. Its sacredness is felt from the dressing rooms to ‘The Circle.'”
“Thank you so much to the @opry for making this gal’s dreams come true,” DeLoach continued. “I cried (a lot), laughed, sang, danced and soaked in every second of this legendary place. I’ll never forget it.”
“A Grand Ole Opry Christmas” will premiere during Hallmark’s 16th annual Countdown to Christmas programming, expected to begin in mid-October.
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