Blake Shelton has just broken a record that he and Tim McGraw were previously tied for. Shelton and McGraw used to hold the record for the second most No. 1s. Now, with the release of a single, Shelton has singlehandedly claimed that title for his own.
Videos by Wide Open Country
Shelton's most recent album, For Recreational Use Only, wasn't as successful as some of his previous releases. However, the album's opening track, "Stay Country or Die Tryin'," reached No. 1 on Country Airplay. Up to this point, Shelton and McGraw had been tied with an equal 29 No. 1s. Kenny Chesney currently holds the top record, though, with 33 No. 1s under his belt.
In late 2025, Chesney also took home Billboard's title for Top Country Artist of the 21st Century. Of this accomplishment, this is what Chesney had to say. "No one gets up to go to the gym and expects to see news like this on their phone. All I was ever trying to do was find the best possible songs... slices of my life."
With that many No. 1 songs, I would say he's done a pretty good job of doing just that.
The Fight for No. 1s Is Really Just a Rivalry Between Friends
They might be competitors, but McGraw and Shelton have also been close friends for years.
In fact, Shelton has often noted that "nobody holds a candle" to McGraw when it comes to teasing him. This comment followed Blake being named People's Sexiest Man Alive in 2017. Obviously, Tim had to make a video with his band in response to Blake's accomplishment.
On Instagram, McGraw posted a video that was clearly filmed in his dressing room, where he performed a quick cover of "It's Hard To Be Humble" by Mac Davis. After the song was over, McGraw simply looked into the camera and said, "My name is Blake Shelton, and I'm the sexiest man alive." This was followed with laughter from his bandmates, who were also in on the joke.
Despite poking fun at each other from time to time, it seems that Tim McGraw and Blake actually do share an admiration for each other when it comes to their craft. In a 2019 interview, Tim shared that he "loves Blake's music", and Blake has credited McGraw with being able to sniff out a hit.
It's good that they're both able to keep things light. Honestly, there's nothing wrong with a little friendly competition.
