Blake Shelton performed double-duty last night at the Opry 100: A Live Celebration. In addition to hosting the three-hour show, which aired live on NBC, Shelton also paid tribute to the late Joe Diffie, with a performance of “Pickup Man.” The song, released in 1994, was a four-week No. 1 hit for Diffie.
Diffie was 61 years old when he passed away, from complications related to COVID-19, on March 29, 2020. One of Diffie’s children later commented on Shelton’s performance.
“Tonight at the Opry, we celebrated 100 years of country music magic!,” they write. “Watching Blake Shelton honor my dad, the legendary Joe Diffie, with ‘Pickup Man’ was an unforgettable moment. Thank you, Opry, for keeping his spirit alive and for all the love. Here’s to the stories, the songs, and the legacy that will never fade!”
When Shelton was announced as a host of Opry 100: A Live Celebration, he talked about the significance of the Grand Ole Opry for him. Shelton was inducted in 2010 by his good friend, Trace Adkins.
“Becoming a member of the Opry is a highlight of my life and career, and 15 years later I still get that same feeling of reverence and excitement every time I walk out on that stage,” Shelton says. “The Grand Ole Opry has been connecting the country music family for 100 years, and I’m so proud to be part of this historic celebration.”
For Shelton, nothing will ever mean as much to him professionally as being an Opry member.
“Trace came out and asked me if I wanted to be the next member of the Grand Ole Opry, which was one of the biggest moments of my life,” Shelton recalls on the Today Show. “That may be the biggest moment of my musical career … To stand in this circle, it’s the top of the mountain. It’s the pinnacle. This is bigger than a Grammy or any award.”
Shelton has a new album, For Recreational Use Only, out on May 9. The record includes his current Top 10 hit with Texas,” the debut single from For Recreational Use Only. Shelton also released another song, “Let Him In Anyway,” from his new project.
“‘Let Him In Anyway’ is one of the most powerful songs I’ve ever had the chance to record,” Shelton says of the song, which was written by HARDY, Zach Crowell and Jameson Rodgers. “HARDY is a co-writer and a friend, and I’ve never heard a song like this before. When I first listened to it, I knew it was something special. It’s an honor to bring it to life, and I’m incredibly proud of the record we made.”
Pre-order For Recreational Use Only, and find all of Shelton’s music and tour dates at BlakeShelton.com.