Dylan Dreyer gives viewers a behind-the-scenes look at the People’s Choice Country Awards

Before she takes the stage at the People’s Choice Country Awards, TODAY’s own Dylan Dreyer gave viewers a look at what happens behind the scenes.

Dylan, alongside Scotty McCreery, will introduce Lady A’s performance at the Sept. 26 ceremony that takes place at Nashville’s legendary Grand Ole Opry House. She also managed to get an inside peek at the show, which will be hosted by Shania Twain.

“My adrenaline is really pumping,” the “Man! I Feel Like Woman” singer told Dylan in a segment that aired Sept. 26. “I’m really excited, especially to be part of this pivotal moment.”

Zach Bryan leads the way with 19 nominations, while this year features an eclectic group of nominees, including non-traditional country acts like Beyoncé scoring nominations and Machine Gun Kelly, who is set to perform. Twain says country music has continued to evolve from when she broke into the business.

Dylan Dreyer.
Dylan is all smiles as she preps for her big night at the People’s Choice Country Awards.TODAY

“Country music is dear to my heart. When I was signed to my label, at first I’m thinking, ‘Well, this is what I want to represent to country as well,’ something innovative, something unique, something fresh and new and there’s room for all of us in the genre,” she said.

Twain also said she still marvels at getting to perform at the Grand Ole Opry.

“I’ve been taking a pause and really reflecting on all the performances that have come through here over the years. So, I feel the tradition,” she said.

Awards shows are old hat for Twain, but this is uncharted territory for Dylan, who has never presented at one. Twain tried to put her at ease.

“Just party Nashville style. You got to be comfortable in your own boots,” she said.

Dylan felt a little out of her element as she walked on the stage and worked on her lines, while seeing cards pointing out where the stars will be sitting.

“This is going to be terrifying,” she said.

The roster of stars who will be in attendance is impressive, with Miranda Lambert, Keith Urban, Kelsea Ballerini and Brad Paisley, an Opry member since 2001 who has been on stage there more than 100 times, among those expected to be on hand.

Dylan Dreyer and Brad Paisley.
Brad Paisley (left) helps Dylan Dreyer learn all about the Grand Ole Opry.TODAY

Becoming a member of the Opry is a milestone for any country music artist, with Dolly Parton, Carrie Underwood, Reba McEntire and Garth Brooks just some of the stars who have received the honor.

“You earn it by being a part of this family,” Paisley told Dylan. “It’s always a great thing when they make somebody a member who has the love for it and wants to be a part of this. To know that you have a home on a Friday or Saturday, if you want to go play a new song, like I’m going to play tomorrow night. If this was the Opry, I’d show up here and just try it out.”

Opry members also get their very own mailbox, which Paisley, who will unveil a new song called “Truck Still Works” at the show, showed off, while reading a letter he received.

“‘I’m a huge fan of yours. I would love it if you’d send me an autograph photo.’ Well, we’ll do that,” he said.

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