Career Timeline of Blake Shelton: Major Achievements and Milestones
From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Blake Shelton made an impact.
Blake Shelton is a prominent American country singer, songwriter, and television personality. He launched his career in 2001 with his debut single "Austin," which topped the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart for five weeks. His debut album, also titled Blake Shelton, achieved Platinum certification and included two additional top 20 hits, establishing him as a significant figure in country music.
1992: "Austin" Ties Chart Record
In 1992, Billy Ray Cyrus' chart record was tied by Blake Shelton's debut single, "Austin."
1997: Production Contract with Sony Music
In 1997, Blake Shelton was aided by Bobby Braddock to obtain a production contract with Sony Music, marking a significant step in his early career.
2001: Debut Single "Austin" Released
In 2001, Blake Shelton released his debut single "Austin" from his first album, Blake Shelton. "Austin" hit number one on the Billboard Hot Country Songs chart, launching his career.
2001: Song "I Wanna Talk About Me" Slated for Release
In 2001, Blake Shelton was slated to release the song "I Wanna Talk About Me," but it was deemed unsuitable, leading Toby Keith to later record it.
2001: Debut and Critical Acclaim
Since Blake Shelton's debut in 2001, he has received positive reviews from musicians and critics.
February 4, 2003: Release of "The Dreamer" Album
On February 4, 2003, Blake Shelton's second album, "The Dreamer", was released on Warner Bros. Records and its lead single, "The Baby", reached No. 1 on the country charts.
2003: Release of "The Dreamer"
In 2003, Blake Shelton released his second album, "The Dreamer," which was later certified gold.
2004: Release of "Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill"
In 2004, Blake Shelton released his third album, "Blake Shelton's Barn & Grill," which achieved platinum certification.
December 18, 2005: Appearance in "The Christmas Blessing"
On December 18, 2005, several of Blake Shelton's songs were featured in the TV movie "The Christmas Blessing", and he made a cameo appearance singing "Nobody but Me".
2007: Release of "Pure BS"
In 2007, Blake Shelton released his fourth album, "Pure BS", marking a change in producers for his work.
2007: Release of "Pure BS" and Television Appearances
In 2007, Blake Shelton released his fourth studio album, "Pure BS", and appeared as a judge on "Nashville Star" and "Clash of the Choirs", marking a significant year in his career.
August 2008: Release of "She Wouldn't Be Gone"
In August 2008, Blake Shelton released "She Wouldn't Be Gone" which became his fifth No. 1 hit, marking his first time with consecutive number ones.
November 2008: Release of "Startin' Fires"
In November 2008, Blake Shelton released his fifth studio album, "Startin' Fires", adding to his discography.
2008: "Pure BS" Re-Release and "Home" Success
In 2008, Blake Shelton re-released "Pure BS" with bonus tracks, including a cover of Michael Bublé's "Home," which became his fourth No. 1 hit.
October 2009: "I'll Just Hold On" Falls off Chart
In October 2009, Blake Shelton's single "I'll Just Hold On" fell off the chart, leading to the release of "Hillbilly Bone" with Trace Adkins.
2009: Brad Paisley's Record
In 2009, Brad Paisley set the record for the most consecutive No. 1 singles, a record Blake Shelton would later tie.
March 2, 2010: Release of "Hillbilly Bone" EP
On March 2, 2010, Blake Shelton released his EP, "Hillbilly Bone", through Reprise Records Nashville, featuring a duet with Trace Adkins.
September 28, 2010: Invitation to Join Grand Ole Opry
On September 28, 2010, Blake Shelton was invited to join the Grand Ole Opry during the "Country Comes Home" concert.
October 23, 2010: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry
On October 23, 2010, Blake Shelton was formally inducted into the Grand Ole Opry by Trace Adkins, marking a significant achievement in his career.
November 10, 2010: Performance and Win at the Country Music Awards
On November 10, 2010, Blake Shelton performed "All About Tonight" and won Male Vocalist of the Year at the 44th Annual Country Music Awards.
November 2010: Release of "Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton"
In November 2010, Blake Shelton released his first greatest hits album, "Loaded: The Best of Blake Shelton", highlighting his successful career.
2010: Induction into the Grand Ole Opry
Blake Shelton was inducted into the Grand Ole Opry in 2010.
2010: Release of "Hillbilly Bone" and "All About Tonight" EPs
In 2010, Blake Shelton released the extended plays "Hillbilly Bone" and "All About Tonight", which were released during the same year.
April 23, 2011: "Honey Bee" Debuts on Billboard Hot 100
On April 23, 2011, Blake Shelton's first single, "Honey Bee", debuted at number thirteen on the Billboard Hot 100 chart, making him the highest-debuting male country artist on the Hot 100 since 1999.
June 13, 2011: "Honey Bee" Reaches No. 1
On June 13, 2011, "Honey Bee" reached No. 1 on the Hot Country Songs chart in its tenth week, becoming Blake Shelton's ninth No. 1 hit.
July 12, 2011: Release of "Red River Blue"
On July 12, 2011, Blake Shelton released his album "Red River Blue", which was led by the successful single "Honey Bee".
October 14, 2011: Recording of "Footloose" Title Track
On October 14, 2011, Blake Shelton recorded the title track for the remake of Footloose.
December 6, 2011: Release of "Red" Album Featuring Shelton
On December 6, 2011, Dia Frampton released her album "Red" which included the track "I Will" featuring Blake Shelton.
2011: Joins The Voice
In 2011, Blake Shelton became a coach on NBC's The Voice, beginning his long-running role on the show.
2011: Release of "Red River Blue"
In 2011, Blake Shelton released his album "Red River Blue", adding to his successful music career.
February 2012: Super Bowl XLVI Performance
In February 2012, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert performed "America the Beautiful" at Super Bowl XLVI, which was their first TV performance since their May 2011 wedding.
April 2012: "Drink on It" Hits No. 1
In April 2012, Blake Shelton's song "Drink on It" hit No. 1, becoming his 11th No. 1 song.
April 30, 2012: Performance on The Voice
On April 30, 2012, Blake Shelton performed "Over" on the Semi-finals of the second season of The Voice.
October 2012: Release of "Cheers, It's Christmas"
In October 2012, Blake Shelton released his first Christmas album, "Cheers, It's Christmas", showcasing his versatility.
2012: GAC Television Special: Backstory: Blake Shelton
In 2012, the GAC television special Backstory: Blake Shelton aired, featuring kudos from Miranda Lambert and Trace Adkins.
March 26, 2013: Release of "Based on a True Story..."
On March 26, 2013, Blake Shelton released his eighth studio album, "Based on a True Story...", which debuted at No. 1 on the country chart.
April 2013: Gene Weed Special Achievement Award
In April 2013, Blake Shelton was awarded the prestigious Gene Weed Special Achievement Award from the Academy of Country Music for his unique achievement in country music and television.
July 19, 2013: Start of the Ten Times Crazier Tour
On July 19, 2013, Blake Shelton began his "Ten Times Crazier Tour" in support of his album "Based on a True Story..."
July 22, 2013: Release of "Mine Would Be You"
On July 22, 2013, Blake Shelton's song "Mine Would Be You" was released to country radio as the third single from the album "Based on a True Story...".
October 5, 2013: End of the Ten Times Crazier Tour
On October 5, 2013, Blake Shelton concluded the first leg of his "Ten Times Crazier Tour".
October 2013: Donation to Wildlife Conservation
In October 2013, Blake Shelton donated $20,000 to the Oklahoma Department of Wildlife Conservation to support outdoor education programs.
November 2013: "Mine Would Be You" Reaches No. 1
In November 2013, Blake Shelton's song "Mine Would Be You" reached No. 1 on the Country Airplay chart, marking his tenth consecutive No. 1 single.
2013: Release of "Based on a True Story..."
In 2013, Blake Shelton released the album "Based on a True Story...", which was a success for his music career.
August 2014: Announcement of "Bringing Back the Sunshine"
In August 2014, Blake Shelton announced that his ninth studio album, "Bringing Back the Sunshine," would be released on September 30, 2014.
September 30, 2014: Release of "Bringing Back the Sunshine"
On September 30, 2014, Blake Shelton released his ninth studio album, "Bringing Back the Sunshine", featuring multiple No. 1 singles.
November 13, 2014: Induction into Oklahoma Hall of Fame
On November 13, 2014, Blake Shelton was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame, recognizing his achievements and contributions to his home state.
2014: Continues Ten Times Crazier Tour
In 2014, Blake Shelton continued the Ten Times Crazier Tour.
2014: Release of "Bringing Back the Sunshine"
In 2014, Blake Shelton released his album "Bringing Back the Sunshine", adding to his discography.
2014: Induction into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame
In 2014, Blake Shelton was inducted into the Oklahoma Hall of Fame.
June 26, 2015: Release of "Max" Soundtrack Featuring Shelton's Cover
On June 26, 2015, Blake Shelton's cover of Bob Dylan's "Forever Young" was released on the soundtrack of Max.
October 23, 2015: Release of "Reloaded: 20#1 Hits"
On October 23, 2015, Blake Shelton's second greatest hits album, "Reloaded: 20#1 Hits", was released.
November 9, 2015: Announcement as Kids' Choice Awards Host
On November 9, 2015, Nickelodeon announced that Blake Shelton would be the host of the 2016 Kids' Choice Awards.
2015: Co-wrote "Go Ahead and Break My Heart"
In 2015, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani co-wrote the song "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" as they began their relationship.
2015: Continues Ten Times Crazier Tour
In 2015, Blake Shelton continued the Ten Times Crazier Tour.
2015: Estimated Annual Income
In 2015, Forbes estimated Blake Shelton's annual income at $28.5 million.
March 8, 2016: Release of "Came Here to Forget"
On March 8, 2016, Blake Shelton's song "Came Here to Forget" was released to country radio as the first single from his upcoming album, "If I'm Honest".
April 8, 2016: Release of "Savior's Shadow"
On April 8, 2016, Blake Shelton released "Savior's Shadow" as the second single from his album "If I'm Honest".
April 12, 2016: Release of "Savior's Shadow" to Christian Radio
On April 12, 2016, Blake Shelton's "Savior's Shadow" was released to Christian radio.
May 2016: Release of "If I'm Honest"
In May 2016, Blake Shelton released his tenth studio album, "If I'm Honest."
May 20, 2016: The Angry Birds Movie Release
On May 20, 2016, The Angry Birds Movie, featuring Blake Shelton as the voice of Earl the cowboy pig, was released in the US. The tenth track of Shelton's album, "Friends," also served as the movie's theme song.
June 2016: Release of "She's Got a Way with Words"
In June 2016, Blake Shelton released "She's Got a Way with Words" as the third single from "If I'm Honest."
June 2016: Blake Shelton Exhibit Opens at Country Music Hall of Fame
In June 2016, the Country Music Hall of Fame and Museum opened an exhibit dedicated to Blake Shelton, titled "Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story". The exhibit traces Shelton's career path and achievements.
September 2016: Donation to Jimmy Everest Center
In September 2016, Blake Shelton donated $600,000 to the Jimmy Everest Center for children with blood cancer and blood disorders, creating the Blake Shelton Cancer Research Program.
September 2016: Forever Country Performance & The Voice Win
In September 2016, Blake Shelton was selected to perform on "Forever Country" for the CMA Awards' 50th anniversary. Also, in September 2016, Sundance Head won season 11 of The Voice, marking Shelton's fifth victory as a coach on the show.
2016: Featured on "If I'm Honest"
In 2016, "Go Ahead and Break My Heart" was featured on Blake Shelton's album, If I'm Honest.
2016: Billboard's Greatest of All Time Country Artists
In 2016, Billboard released their list of "Greatest of All Time Country Artists" and recognized Blake Shelton on the chart, ranking him at No. 50.
March 2017: Wax Figure Unveiled at Madame Tussauds Nashville
In March 2017, Blake Shelton's wax figure was unveiled for Madame Tussauds Nashville.
September 11, 2017: "I'll Name the Dogs" Single Release
On September 11, 2017, Blake Shelton released "I'll Name the Dogs" as the lead single from his upcoming eleventh studio album.
September 2017: Ole Red Tishomingo Opening
In September 2017, the first Ole Red restaurant and entertainment complex, co-owned by Blake Shelton, opened in Tishomingo, Oklahoma.
November 3, 2017: Texoma Shore Album Release
On November 3, 2017, Blake Shelton released his eleventh studio album, Texoma Shore.
November 6, 2017: Six Songs Chart Simultaneously
On November 6, 2017, Blake Shelton made Country Aircheck history when he became the first artist to chart six songs simultaneously, from his album Texoma Shore.
2017: Collaboration on "You Make It Feel Like Christmas"
In 2017, Blake Shelton collaborated on the song "You Make It Feel Like Christmas," featured on Gwen Stefani's holiday album of the same name.
2017: NATPE Reality Breakthrough Award
In 2017, Blake Shelton received the NATPE Reality Breakthrough Award for Best Reality Personality for his work on The Voice.
2017: Release of "Texoma Shore"
In 2017, Blake Shelton released his album "Texoma Shore", adding to his discography.
January 29, 2018: "I Lived It" Released to Country Radio
On January 29, 2018, the second single from Blake Shelton's album "Texoma Shore", titled "I Lived It", was released to country radio.
February 2018: Donation to Hometown
In February 2018, Blake Shelton donated $50,000 to his home town of Tishomingo, Oklahoma, raised from ticket sales at his restaurant.
May 2018: Ole Red Nashville Opening
In May 2018, a new Ole Red location opened in Nashville.
March 13, 2019: Private Concert and Donation
On March 13, 2019, Blake Shelton performed a private concert at Ole Red Gatlinburg and donated $54,214 to Gatlinburg-Pittman High School's music programs.
March 2019: Ole Red Gatlinburg Opening
In March 2019, a new Ole Red location opened in Gatlinburg.
2019: Release of "Fully Loaded: God's Country"
In 2019, Blake Shelton released "Fully Loaded: God's Country", another addition to his collection of albums.
2019: Fully Loaded: God's Country Album Release
In 2019, Blake Shelton released the compilation album "Fully Loaded: God's Country", featuring collaborations with Trace Adkins and Gwen Stefani.
March 2020: Merchandise Sale and Donation
At the end of March 2020, Blake Shelton reduced the price of his merchandise and donated a portion of his sales to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund.
April 2020: Merchandise Sale and Donation
At the beginning of April 2020, Blake Shelton reduced the price of his merchandise and donated a portion of his sales to the MusiCares COVID-19 relief fund.
April 2020: Donation to "Give from Home Day"
In April 2020, Blake Shelton donated $150,000 to the "Give from Home Day" fundraiser to help feed the hungry during the COVID-19 pandemic in the United States.
May 2020: Ole Red Orlando Opening
In May 2020, a new Ole Red location opened in Orlando, Florida.
December 2020: Shelton's Chart Success
As of December 2020, Blake Shelton had 40 charted singles, including 29 number ones, with 17 consecutive, marking a significant achievement in his career.
2020: CMT Music Award Win
At the 2020 CMT Music Awards, Blake Shelton won for best collaborative video for his duet "Nobody But You" with Gwen Stefani.
2020: Duets reached No. 1
In 2020, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani's duets "Nobody But You" and "Happy Anywhere" both reached No. 1 on the Billboard US Country Airplay chart.
2020: Todd Tilghman Wins The Voice
In 2020, Todd Tilghman was announced as the winner of the 18th season of The Voice, marking Blake Shelton's seventh win as a coach.
May 21, 2021: Body Language Album Release
On May 21, 2021, Blake Shelton released his twelfth studio album, "Body Language".
2021: Cam Anthony Wins The Voice
In 2021, Cam Anthony won season 20 of The Voice, securing Blake Shelton his eighth win as a coach.
September 7, 2022: Back to the Honky Tonk Tour Announcement
On September 7, 2022, Blake Shelton announced his 18-date Back to the Honky Tonk Tour with Carly Pearce and Jackson Dean as opening acts.
October 4, 2022: Sale of Master Recordings
On October 4, 2022, Blake Shelton sold the ownership of his commercially released master recordings from 2001 to 2019 to Influence Media Partners.
December 2022: Bryce Leatherwood Wins The Voice
In December 2022, Bryce Leatherwood was named the winner on season 22 of The Voice, giving Blake Shelton his ninth and final win as coach before his retirement from the show after the following season.
2023: Departure from The Voice
In 2023, Blake Shelton coached his last season, the twenty-third, on NBC's The Voice.
February 2024: Release of "Purple Irises" with Gwen Stefani
In February 2024, Blake Shelton appeared on his wife Gwen Stefani's song, "Purple Irises."
June 2024: Appearance on Post Malone's Album
In June 2024, Blake Shelton appeared on Post Malone's album F-1 Trillion on the song "Pour Me a Drink".
September 2024: Signing with BMG/BBR Music Group
In September 2024, Blake Shelton signed with BMG/BBR Music Group and Wheelhouse Records, leaving Warner Music Nashville.
November 15, 2024: Release of "Texas"
On November 15, 2024, Blake Shelton released a new single, "Texas".
2024: Shelton Signed with BBR Music Group
In 2024, Blake Shelton left Warner Music Nashville and signed with BBR Music Group, marking a change in his recording affiliations.
2024: Ole Red Las Vegas Opening
In 2024, a new Ole Red location opened on the Las Vegas Strip.
