The news of the program's expansion was revealed during a "Belmont at the Opry" event featuring Trisha Yearwood, Brad Paisley and more alumni.
The highlights have been numerous and the lowlights few.
The veteran executive will help oversee next year's 100th anniversary of the Nashville institution.
León had the Nashville crowd on its feet for the entirety of his three-song set, and earned an encore performance.
The "Drunk (And I Don't Wanna Go Home)" singer told the audience she was "hammered" during her shambolic Friday night set.
The Country Music Hall of Fame member will be joined by Mickey Guyton, Lauren Alaina, Trace Adkins, Brenda Lee and more.
The country star opened her recent Nashville set with "Kindness," from her new album "Sweet Western Sound."
Eight artists have been chosen to take part in this year's program, including ERNEST, Chapel Hart and Megan Moroney.
Singer-songwriter Staton, who was instrumental in launching the Black Country Music Association, has long been a champion for Black country artists and musicians.
Ryman Hospitality Properties' entertainment segment should “flourish as a standalone, separate entity,” said CEO Colin Reed.