NASHVILLE, Tenn. -- Carrie Underwood is the newest member of the Grand Ole Opry.

The singer joined the cast of the long-running country music show Saturday. Garth Brooks handled her formal induction and Vince Gill sang a duet with her.

"This really seems like a great family to be part of," Underwood said, as she fought back tears.

The 25-year-old Underwood becomes the latest young addition to the Opry cast in recent years, joining Brad Paisley, Josh Turner and Dierks Bentley.

The Opry, established in 1925, is the longest continuously running radio show in the country. Legends such as Hank Williams Sr. and Patsy Cline were once members of the cast, and contemporary stars including Alan Jackson and Martina McBride are part of today's show, which airs every Friday and Saturday night on WSM-AM.

Opry management says artists are invited to join based on their commitment to the show, as measured by the frequency of their guest appearances, and their overall contribution to country music.