Introduction
Trace Adkins Talks Blake Shelton Friendship
Country music star Trace Adkins has opened up about one of the most entertaining and genuine friendships in country music—his bond with fellow artist Blake Shelton. Over the years, the two have built a strong relationship marked by mutual respect, humor, and unforgettable collaborations that fans love.
Trace Adkins, known for his deep baritone voice and commanding stage presence, first met Blake Shelton when Shelton was still an up-and-coming artist. Adkins, already an established figure in country music at the time, quickly saw potential in the younger singer. “Blake had that spark,” Adkins recalled in an interview. “He was wild, funny, and incredibly talented—but he needed a little direction now and then.”
Shelton himself has admitted that Adkins played a mentor-like role in his early career. “Trace was one of the few people I actually listened to,” Shelton once said. “He was intimidating in the best way possible. He called me out when I needed it, and I always respected him for that.”
Their friendship took a creative turn in 2009 when the two collaborated on the hit song “Hillbilly Bone.” The upbeat, rowdy track quickly became a fan favorite and soared to the top of the country charts. The success of the song not only boosted their individual careers but also solidified their chemistry as performers. Their playful back-and-forth and shared love of traditional country themes made them a dynamic duo.
Since then, the two have teamed up multiple times, both on stage and in the studio. Another memorable collaboration came in 2021 when they recorded the fun and cheeky duet “If I Was a Woman.” The song allowed them to lean into their humorous sides, and fans couldn’t get enough of their banter.
Outside of music, Adkins and Shelton are known for teasing each other in interviews and on social media. Adkins once joked that working with Shelton was like working with “a misbehaving dog—you give him a treat when he’s good and a newspaper when he’s not.” Shelton, in turn, has described Adkins as “one of the few real cowboys left in country music.”
Despite all the jokes, their bond runs deep. When Shelton married pop star Gwen Stefani, Adkins wasn’t present at the wedding, but he made it clear that there were no hard feelings. “Blake called me and explained everything. I told him I understood—just don’t expect me to wear a tuxedo anytime soon,” Adkins laughed.
Their friendship is a rare example of genuine camaraderie in the often-competitive world of music. Both artists continue to support each other’s careers and remain fan favorites for their authenticity, talent, and sense of humor.
As Trace Adkins once put it, “Blake and I are like brothers. We might drive each other crazy, but we’ve always got each other’s backs.” And that’s exactly the kind of friendship that resonates with fans—on stage and off.