Introduction
Trace Adkins Talks Blake Shelton Friendship
When Trace Adkins speaks about Blake Shelton, it’s clear their bond runs deeper than music or television appearances. Over the years, the two country stars have built a friendship rooted in humor, respect, and a shared love of country music. In a recent conversation, Adkins opened up about what Shelton has meant to him, offering a glimpse into a relationship that fans have long admired.
Their friendship first sparked in the early 2000s, when Shelton was still carving his path in Nashville and Adkins had already established himself with a string of chart-topping hits. Adkins recalls noticing Shelton’s quick wit and effortless charm right away. “Blake just had that thing—you couldn’t ignore him,” Adkins said. “He could light up a room with a joke and then turn around and break your heart with a song.”
The two grew closer over the years, not only sharing stages but also sharing laughs off-camera. One of their most memorable collaborations came in 2009 with the release of “Hillbilly Bone.” The playful duet became an instant hit, climbing to the top of the charts and showcasing their chemistry both musically and personally. To this day, fans still talk about the song as the perfect representation of their friendship—fun-loving, rowdy, but genuine at its core.
Adkins often describes Shelton as a brother figure, someone he can lean on when the road gets tough. “We’ve been through a lot together—good times, bad times, you name it,” he admitted. “What I admire most about Blake is that he doesn’t change. No matter how big he gets, he’s still that same guy you can call up and drink a beer with.”
Shelton, in turn, has never hidden his admiration for Adkins. He has frequently spoken about Trace’s influence, praising him as a trailblazer in country music and a mentor whose deep baritone voice and fearless stage presence inspired him early on. When Shelton became a household name through The Voice, he often joked about needing Adkins around to keep him humble.
Their friendship has also been marked by plenty of good-natured teasing. Whether trading barbs on talk shows or pulling pranks behind the scenes, both artists have shown that their camaraderie thrives on humor. Adkins once laughed while telling a story about Shelton’s tendency to push boundaries: “Blake will say anything, anywhere, and somehow people just laugh instead of running him out of town. I wish I had that skill.”
At its heart, though, the friendship between Trace Adkins and Blake Shelton is a reminder of how relationships shape careers and lives. Beyond the spotlight and the accolades, both men have leaned on each other in ways that matter most. For Adkins, that connection is priceless. “In this business, true friends are rare,” he said. “Blake’s one of mine. And I don’t take that for granted.”
As they continue their journeys—Adkins with new music and Shelton enjoying both touring and television—the bond between the two stands as one of the most authentic friendships in country music. Fans love their songs, but perhaps even more, they love the laughter, loyalty, and brotherhood that shine through whenever Trace Adkins talks about Blake Shelton.