Making a debut on the Grand Ole Opry is one of the pinnacle moments in a country star's career. Jimmie Allen had a feeling he would get the chance one day to cross that historic threshold, and that dream came true in 2018.

In the days before taking the hallowed stage for the first time on May 4, the up-and-coming country star chronicled his journey, starting with a day spent on the water fishing with one of his country music idols, Aaron Tippin. Allen shares that his father introduced him to the genre with Tippin's music, and the first song he ever heard was Tippin's hit "There Ain't Nothing Wrong With the Radio."

He also got to meet Charley Pride the day of his debut, crediting the legendary singer for paving the way for him.

Jimmie Allen's Live RISERS Performance Is Irresistible

"The Grand Ole Opry debut for me means I've finally been accepted into the country music family that I've always wanted," Allen shares in a video testimonial leading up to his debut. "I have no idea what the emotions will be, but I know it will be a lot and it will hit hard."

During his first performance on the famous stage, it was only fitting to perform his debut single that's currently in the Top 20 on the country charts, "Best Shot," with Tippin looking on from backstage. Allen earned a standing ovation for his performance, a moment many of his family members also got to witness. He views the momentous occasion as a symbol of hard work and a motivating factor to continue to pursue his dreams.

"There's different stages in your life, but there's so many people that have done country music, but haven't had the chance to step in that circle," he reflects. "So to be able to do it so early in my career, thankful, excited. I'm motivated to see what's next. I'm ready to get back to work and write more music and come back here and do it again."

Allen will continue to share his music with fans when he hits the road with Scotty McCreery in the fall of 2018 on the Seasons Change Tour, which kicks off Nov. 29 in Dallas.

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