Blake Shelton Electrifies AMAs With Fiery Debut of “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’”—Crowd Goes Wild as Country Star Unleashes Anthemic Performance, Sparks Controversy and Praise—Did Shelton Just Change the Face of Country Music on Live TV? America Reacts to Unforgettable, Risk-Taking Moment in Awards Show History

Blake Shelton makes AMA debut (Photo Credit: Christopher Polk/Penske Media via Getty Images))

Blake Shelton Made His American Music Award Performance Debut

On Monday, May 26, Blake Shelton performed at the American Music Awards for the very first time. This year’s show took place at Fontainebleau Las Vegas. Hosted by Jennifer Lopez, the show was a star-studded affair that included performances from Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, Reneé Rapp, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and, for the first time, Blake Shelton.

Stefani is celebrating the 20th anniversary of her album Love.Angel.Music.Baby performed a medley of her hits from that album, including “Hollaback Girl,” and a brand-new song from her latest album, Bouquet. 

Shelton has won three AMAs throughout his career, but has never performed at the show. In 2011 and 2016, he won the award for Favorite Male Artist – Country, and in 2020, he won Favorite Country Album for Fully Loaded: God’s Country.

Not only did Shelton perform, but he also presented at the show.

Blake Shelton will present at the 2025 American Music Awards on May 26. (Photo Credit American Music Awards / Facebook)

Blake Performed “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’” Off His New Album

On May 15th, the American Music Awards announced Shelton would be making his debut performance.

He performed “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’,” a song from his latest album, For Recreational Use Only, which he released on May 9th. The song was officially released as a single on May 19th, following the massive success of “Texas,” his first single off the album, which eventually became his 30th #1 hit on the charts.

Blake Shelton’s album For Recreational Use Only (Photo Credit: Amazon Music)
Wearing a red, white a blue ribbon pinned to his front shirt pocket, Shelton brought country to the American Music Awards and was unapologetic about just how country he was during a night full of glitz and glam.

He ended the performance with a salute and pointed to the ribbon, reminding us all what the day is all about, remembering the fallen servicemen and women.

Prior to his performance he shared a message on social media, writing, “Never forget the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our country and our freedom. Remembering our heroes extra today. #MemorialDay”

Blake Shelton writes message in honor of our fallen heroes on Memorial Day (Photo Credit: Blake Shelton / Instagram)
We love the Blake took time to recognize what Memorial Day is all about. Watch his performance below.