In 2001, Blake Shelton scored the first of 30 chart-topping hits with his debut single, “Austin.” Spending 23 seasons as a coach on NBC’s The Voice, the five-time Entertainer of the Year is getting back to his bread and butter. In May 2025, Shelton released For Recreational Use Only, his 13th studio album and first new solo material in four years. On Saturday (June 7) the “Texas” crooner, 48, took the stage at Nissan Stadium for Night 3 of CMA Fest. And the crowd got an unexpected surprise when Shelton brought out a certain country music legend.
Videos by American Songwriter
Blake Shelton: “They Told Me I Could Do Whatever I Wanted” At CMA Fest
After performing a couple of songs from his latest album, Blake Shelton hit the CMA Fest crowd with a plot twist.
“They told me I could do whatever I wanted,” said the “God’s Country” singer, just before he introduced Trace Adkins.
With a quick tip of his black cowboy hat, Adkins launched into a rendition of his 2005 crossover hit “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk.” Next, he joined Shelton for rousing duets of their 2019 collab “Hell Right,” followed by 2009’s chart-topping “Hillbilly Bone.”
Blake Shelton and Trace Adkins performing 'Hillbilly Bone' during the CMA Fest at Nissan Stadium in Nashville (June 7, 2025). pic.twitter.com/Djl27EEseU
— Danielle | Blake Shelton Fan (@blakesheltonus) June 8, 2025
Taking to social media Sunday (June 8), Shelton declared Day 3 of CMA Fest a “hell of a night.” The “Boys Round Here” singer shared a carousel of photos from the evening. One shot featured him with Adkins and “Strawberry Wine” legend Deana Carter.
Shelton’s Duck Problem
Trace Adkins has called Blake Shelton a friend for years. And as we’ve learned from his onscreen bromance with Adam Levine, being the “Ol Red” singer’s friend means frequently subjecting yourself to some good-natured ribbing.
[RELATED: Blake Shelton Speaks Out About AMAs Performance Controversy: “Really Nothing Else to Say”]
Back in April, Shelton shared video footage of himself surveying the damage to his Oklahoma ranch after a bout of severe weather in the Sooner State. The country singer pointed out a house he built for his “old pet duck. The structure was now upside down, with its occupant conspicuously absent.
“I don’t have a clue where the duck ended up,” Shelton said.
Urging his friends to be on the lookout, the 10-time CMA Award winner wrote, “If yall see a duck in eastern Oklahoma or Arkansas that answers to the name ‘Trace Adkins Is An A–hole’ please return him.”
If yall see a duck in eastern Oklahoma or Arkansas that answers to the name “Trace Adkins Is An Asshole” please return him. Long name I know.. #kubota #kubotacountry pic.twitter.com/YUNS0fNBLi
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) April 9, 2025
“Long name I know..” Shelton conceded.
Be sure to tune in to #CMAfest presented by @SoFi on Thursday, June 26 at 8/7c on ABC to relive your favorite performances!
Featured image by Jason Moore/ZUMA Press Wire/Shutterstock
Leave a Reply
Only members can comment. Become a member. Already a member? Log in.