Opry Audio: Kree Harrison and Emmylou Harris, Carrie Underwood

Kree Harrison Shines at the Ryman: Emmylou Harris, Carrie Underwood and Nashville Take Notice

Kree Harrison, who finished as the runner-up on American Idol season 12 in 2013, did not land a record contract immediately after the show — but that has not stopped her steady rise in Nashville’s music scene. Over the years she has continued to write, record and perform, earning respect from peers and country music legends alike.

Kree has made multiple appearances in and around the Grand Ole Opry and the Ryman Auditorium since her Idol run. Her most recent stop came on Saturday (Dec 13), when the distinguished singer-songwriter Emmylou Harris introduced her onstage. Emmylou even admitted she had voted for Kree during the American Idol season — a high compliment from one of country music’s most admired voices.

Following Emmylou’s warm introduction, Kree joked, “I’m just going to drive off a cliff after this one!” before settling into a set that showcased both her writing and vocal strengths. Kree performed two original songs that night: “Your Whiskey,” co-written with Maren Morris and Brett Tyler, and “You Would’ve Wanted It That Way,” co-written with Trent Dabbs and Natalie Hemby. The songs highlighted her ability to combine raw emotion with polished songwriting — a combination that has become central to her growing reputation in Nashville.

Later in the program, Emmylou invited Kree and songwriter-performer Kate York to join her for a delicate, three-part a cappella rendition of the Christmas carol “The First Noel.” The spontaneous-sounding harmony underscored Kree’s vocal versatility and her ease in blending with seasoned artists onstage.

Audio from Kree’s full set was shared following the concert, and fans praised the performance online. The set, which combined Kree’s original material with intimate moments of harmony alongside Emmylou and Kate York, reinforced why she remains a compelling presence in country and Americana circles.

Saturday’s show at the Ryman also included another prominent American Idol alum. Season 4 winner Carrie Underwood closed the evening, capping a week of appearances and performances in support of her Greatest Hits collection. After the concert, artists and fans gathered for photos and camaraderie, and Carrie posted an enthusiastic note about the evening that celebrated the lineup of women who performed.

The night’s gathering highlighted a sense of mutual support among female artists in Nashville. In addition to Kree, the lineup and backstage photos included names such as Kacey Musgraves, reinforcing a moment of “girl power” on one of country music’s most revered stages.

So much talent tonight at the Opry. The ladies were bringing it! Kacey Musgraves, Kree Harrison, Clara Henningsen — what a night.

— Carrie Underwood (posted December 14, 2014)

For listeners and fans following Kree Harrison’s path since American Idol, the Ryman appearance was another sign that she is carving out a deliberate and artistically focused career. While she did not secure a major label deal immediately after the show, Kree has steadily built a catalog of songs co-written with respected writers and has continued to perform at high-profile venues across Nashville.

Her collaborations and live performances — particularly appearances with established artists like Emmylou Harris — demonstrate both the respect she has earned among her peers and the artistic momentum she continues to build. Whether through intimate a cappella moments, emotionally driven originals, or shared stages with contemporary hitmakers, Kree Harrison’s presence in Nashville remains notable and worth watching.

As Kree continues to write, record and perform, her Ryman performance with Emmylou Harris and fellow songwriters is a clear reminder of why audiences and industry veterans alike continue to pay attention. Her steady work in Nashville, combined with collaborations and memorable live shows, point to a long-term career built on craft, collaboration and authentic storytelling.