Shandon’s Callie Twisselman makes Grand Ole Opry debut

By Camille DeVaul · Thu Jan 08 2026

Local country artist marks major milestone in rising career

NORTH COUNTY — On Saturday, Dec. 27, 2025, Shandon local Callie Twisselman stepped onto one of country music’s most respected stages, making her official debut at the Grand Ole Opry.

"I feel like I couldn't have asked for it to go any better," Twisselman told Paso Robles Press of her debut. "I was pretty happy."

Celebrating 100 years since its first broadcast on Nov. 28, 1925, membership at the Opry is one of country music's crowning achievements, and making a debut on the stage is one of those moments that tells artists like Twisselman that they are on the right track. Some of the Opry's most well-known and classic members include Loretta Lynn, Patsy Cline, Johnny Cash, Dolly Parton, and Willie Nelson — but there are over 200 current members in the Opry.

The Opry is the longest-running radio broadcast in the country. Performances include a number of subgenres including bluegrass, Americana, folk, gospel, and even more recently comedy.

Artists making their Opry debut are given the opportunity to perform two songs, and Twisselman chose selections that reflect both sides of her artistry. She performed “Ghost in My Head” and “King & Queen of Recklessness,” both taken from her new EP, "Growing in Grace."

Shandon country music artist Callie Twisselman performs Dec. 27 during her Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville, Tennessee. Photos courtesy of Callie Twisselman

Mainly a solo songwriter, Twisselman draws inspiration directly from life, her own experiences, and those of people around her. Songs like “King & Queen of Recklessness” reflect the frustrations of modern dating, while “Ghost in My Head” captures the lingering emotions of a breakup that’s hard to shake. Other tracks on the EP delve into faith and family, including “God Made a Farmer,” inspired by her father and the dedication required to keep a family ranch going.

Raised on a seventh-generation ranch in Shandon, Twisselman knew from a young age that she wanted to pursue country music.

"I was 10, and I was watching a music video of Shania Twain. And I really like her fashion and style. All of that combined with her singing, and I'm like, I want to do that," Twisselman explains. "As well as my mom, who was a singer in a local band. Those two combined [convinced me] singing is what I want to do. You get to sing, write songs, and dress up."

From there, Twisselman began to sing the national anthem everywhere she could. Later, she picked up her mom's old guitar and started to write her own songs.

Twisselman says from then on she knew, "This is what I'm doing. I didn't have any other plan B's. Still don't. We're headed in the right direction."

Twisselman's Opry debut was made extra special with her family by her side. Her parents were in attendance, along with her aunt and uncle, and most notably her grandmother, who will turn 90 in March.

"When I was doing rehearsals, [my family] were all standing side stage and watching, and [my mom] just started crying ... I think they really enjoyed themselves, and my grandma said, my grandpa would have loved to have been there. I'm sure he was in spirit. It was very special."

On the day of her debut, Twisselman was able to have a sound check session with the Opry's house band prior to her performance.

"Everything was smooth," Twisselman explained. "The band was amazing. I feel like they're one of the most amazing bands I've ever played with."

During her debut, Twisselman was warmly welcomed by Opry staff, who presented her with a special gift box and reserved signs marking the milestone. She and her family spent time backstage, where debut artists are given their own green room, a rare perk due to limited space. Twisselman took the stage as the second performer of the night, describing the experience as both exciting and memorable. After her performance, her family stayed to watch the rest of the show alongside other artists, and she later celebrated the occasion with friends and her manager. Twisselman said she hopes to return to the Opry soon.

Now, Twisselman is looking for her new milestone, "I feel like now, what do I do next to top that? There's not much, though. I can't really top that, but it put some more drive in me to continue pursuing other things that seem kind of out of reach, because they really aren't that far out of reach. After getting to play the Opry, it makes me feel a little bit like I can choose what I want to do and go do it. Just make it happen."

Twisselman is looking forward to releasing some new music throughout the year.

"Lots of new music I'm excited about," she said. "I feel like this is the record that I feel like will most be me out of them all. I can't wait for other people to hear it."

Twisselman will also open for Dolly Parton at the rescheduled "Live in Vegas" show on Sunday, Sept. 17. Learn more about Callie Twisselman and find her music at callietwisselman.com

Feature Image: Shandon's own Callie Twisselman is shown with her parents and grandmother on Dec. 27, the day of her Grand Ole Opry debut in Nashville, Tennessee. Photos courtesy of Callie Twisselman