It’s been more than 23 years since Blake Shelton‘s eponymous debut album came out in 2001, but this week marked a career first for Shelton. The 48-year-old received the most first-week adds at radio ever in his career with the release of “Texas,” his brand-new single, out now.
“The thing that struck me about ‘Texas’ immediately was how different it sounded for me, and I’m always looking to push myself,” Shelton says of the song. “I think there’s something really special about this record and important for me.”
“Texas,” from a forthcoming new album, also marks Shelton’s first release on BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville, after leaving his longtime label, Warner Music Nashville, where he was part of their roster for 23 years.
“I moved to Nashville the month after I graduated from high school to sing country music and hopefully get to hear one of my songs on the radio,” says Shelton. “After all these years, it’s still exciting, and thanks to fans for listening and coming out to shows. I can’t wait to play ‘Texas’ live!”
The Oklahoma native admits he might not have ever released new music, if not for Post Malone, who invited Shelton to sing with him on “Pour Me a Drink,” from Post Malone’s F-1 Trillion album. The success of the viral, chart-topping single reminded Shelton how much he still liked making country music.
“I really credit Post Malone for this new energy that I have because I was kind of just complacent and not in any hurry,” Shelton tells People. “Then that kid came along and asked me to sing on his song with him. It took off and was a big hit this summer, and it reminded me like, ‘Hey, get off your a–! This may be your last chance to really take a big swing at this thing.’ So here I am.”
Shelton just released the video for “Texas,” which is also one of his favorite videos he has ever filmed.
“This particular song I’m really fired up about,” Shelton tells Entertainment Tonight. “It’s way different than anything I’ve ever done before. It’s your typical story, a guy got dumped by the girl country song. But musically, it’s way different. And anytime I get to show up and be in a music video and just get to wear what I’d probably just be wearing today anyway, I’m always excited about that.”
“Texas” is the debut single from Shelton’s next project, which he says is almost — but not quite — ready to go.
“I’m still making a record,” Shelton reveals. “If they told me that I needed to put out a record for tomorrow, I have enough stuff ready to go, but I still want to mess with it a little while, so we’ll see if ‘Texas’ gets out there, and see how it does. Hopefully it takes off and I have a little bit of time to go back in and record some more songs.”
Shelton recently announced he is part of a new reality TV talent show, The Road, airing next year on CBS. He will also spend part of 2025 on tour. The Oklahoma native will kick off his Friends & Heroes Tour 2025 on February 27 in Lexington, Kentucky, joined by Trace Adkins, plus Craig Morgan, Deana Carter and Emily Ann Roberts.
Find “Texas” and all of Shelton’s music and tour dates, and pre-order/pre-save “Texas,” at BlakeShelton.com.