Blake Shelton has seen a lot in country music. Shelton's debut album came out in 2001, with the singer just earning his 30th No. 1 single, with "Texas." He also spent 23 seasons as a coach on The Voice, so if anyone is able to mentor younger artists, it's Shelton.
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For that reason, Shelton is part of the upcoming reality TV talent show, The Road. Shelton is executive producing the show with Taylor Sheridan, which also stars Gretchen Wilson and Keith Urban. The show sees aspiring singers try to earn over fanbases in different cities, as they open for Urban.
"It might be my favorite," Shelton tells People. "I don't really feel like I'm in the race anymore. If a young, up-and-coming artist ever looks to me for advice or something, I damn sure have plenty of it to give. I love being a country singer so much."
Shelton has done a lot in country music, far more than most. But now, he is able to finally rest in his success, and pour his knowledge and experience into the next generation.
"After 25 years of doing this, and the ups and downs, I don't feel like I have anything to prove anymore," Shelton explains. "I used to be almost afraid of my success because I was afraid of losing it somehow. Maybe the worry kept me working hard and focused — but now it's just fun for me."
Blake Shelton's Career Resurgence
Shelton's For Recreational Use Only album comes out on May 9. The record might not have happened, if not for Post Malone inviting Shelton to sing on "Pour Me A Drink" for Post Malone's F-1 Trillion project.
"I started thinking, 'Man, what am I doing? Nobody gets to do this,'" Shelton reflects to American Songwriter. "I need to make a record. That was fun. What I realized is that I'd had the break that I needed."
Shelton took a much-needed break after his time on The Voice, but he's definitely back. The 48-year-old will both perform and present at the 2025 ACM Awards, airing tonight (May 8), at 8:00 p.m. ET on Amazon Prime. Shelton is reportedly performing "Texas."
