As one of the most beloved artifacts of the old museum made it's way up the red carpet, Mother Maybelle Carter's Gibson guitar was placed on the stage signaling the start of the Grand Opening show. 

George Jones and gospel legend Vestal Goodman  got things started with an inspired version of "Amazing Grace." The Grand Ole Opry band followed closely behind as the vocalists traded lines and took turns showcasing their unique styles. Soldiers from nearby Fort Campbell presented the Color Guard and performed a Flag Ceremony which was followed by the Pledge Of Allegiance and singing of the "Star-Spangled Banner" by Gospel/R&B vocalist Scat Springs

After a short welcome from MCA Nashville and Music City 'power player' Tony Brown and Introduction from Bill Ivey, NEA Chairman (National Endowment for the Arts), country music legend and banjo great Earl Scruggs took the stage. Scruggs performed his signature bluegrass classic, "Foggy Mountain Breakdown," and was accompanied by an all-star band that included Marty Stuart, Jerry Douglas, Jon Randall, and Vassar Clements. Mr. Ivey is quoted as saying that  "(the new hall of fame) enshrines those great stories of excellence and achievement that define what is best in this great American music. It combines wonderful architecture, a deep commitment to community service, a deep commitment to enlighten and entertain."

Vince Gill joined Marty Stuart on stage, during which Marty said "This building is our treasure chest, It's where we keep our wonderful things, but more than anything, it's our living room." Vince then surprised the audience with an acoustic performance of the moving ballad "The Key to Life," a song that has special meaning and was dedicated to his father. Later Gill remarked, "It's really remarkable to look around here and see the people that my father loved as a kid."

Emmylou Harris remembered her first visit to Nashville and how she met the director Bill Ivey. Ivey introduced to the newcomer to the Country Music Hall of Fame and gave Emmylou the complete Louvin Brothers catalog, knowing that she's had her first hit in 1975 with the Louvin Brothers song, "If I Could Only Win Your Love." Harris performed this song with Sam Bush and Jon Randall and dedicated it to the memory of Joe Talbot.

Nashville Mayor Bill Purcell took the podium and announced, "This is the place where this building and we all belong." Tennessee Governor Don Sundquist and praised the public sector for helping to make the project a success. Both men then credited former Nashville mayor Phil Bredesen for having the foresight to make a dream become a reality. Former Country Music Hall Of Fame tour guide, Kathy Mattea, played a jazzy rendition of Hank Williams' "House of Gold." Kathy waxed nostalgic and said "I grew up at the Hall of Fame."

Talking about country pioneers like The Carter Family and Jimmie Rodgers, Marty Stuart said, "were just singing songs out of their heart, songs of true life. Those songs sustain today. They will sustain a thousand years from now, a million years from now should this world stand, as will country music, as long as we stay close to the heart and soul of the matter." Stuart, who has donated several stage outfits and instruments to the new hall of fame, closed the ceremony by singing "Will the Circle Be Unbroken," and playing Maybelle Carter's guitar. Vestal Goodman joined in on a verse but did not have a microphone, she could still be heard by those in the back. Later Marty commented on the meaning behind the guitar, "This is the country music guitar. Country music lives right inside this hole right here."

After completing the ceremony the Hall Of Fame members were escorted back down the red carpet to the main entrance for the official ribbon cutting ceremony. Charley Pride, Kitty Wells and Brenda Lee joined in helping to cut the large red ribbon opening the new Hall of Fame and Museum. Visitors were granted free admission throughout opening day and live music continued through the weekend.