Introduction
On Monday, May 26, country music star Blake Shelton took the stage at the American Music Awards for the very first time. Held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, the 2025 AMAs were hosted by Jennifer Lopez and featured a dazzling lineup of performances from major artists like Gwen Stefani, Gloria Estefan, Reneé Rapp, Benson Boone, and Lainey Wilson. But it was Blake’s debut that delivered a heartfelt reminder of what the day truly represents.
Though he has previously won three American Music Awards—Favorite Male Artist – Country in both 2011 and 2016, and Favorite Country Album in 2020 for Fully Loaded: God’s Country—this marked the first time Shelton performed live on the AMA stage. Alongside his performance, he also took the stage as a presenter during the show.
“Stay Country Or Die Tryin’”: Blake’s Bold Statement on a Glamorous Night
Earlier this month, on May 15, the AMAs officially announced Blake Shelton would be making his performance debut. True to form, Blake didn’t hold back. He delivered a passionate rendition of his single “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’”—a track from his newest album, For Recreational Use Only, released on May 9. The single officially dropped on May 19, following the chart-topping success of “Texas,” the album’s lead single and Shelton’s 30th number-one hit.
Wearing a red, white, and blue ribbon on his shirt pocket, Shelton walked onto the stage with quiet pride. While the night was filled with glittering pop moments and elaborate staging, Blake brought something different—something grounded, personal, and unmistakably country. His performance wasn’t just about music; it was about remembering.
As he finished the song, Blake raised his hand in a salute and pointed to the ribbon on his chest—a subtle but powerful tribute to the meaning of Memorial Day: honoring the brave service members who sacrificed their lives for their country.
A Message of Gratitude
Before stepping into the spotlight, Shelton shared a message on social media that echoed the same sentiment. He wrote:
“Never forget the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our country and our freedom. Remembering our heroes extra today. #MemorialDay”
On a night designed to celebrate music and celebrity, Blake Shelton made sure we didn’t forget the deeper reason behind the date. His tribute wasn’t just touching—it was necessary. It reminded millions watching that Memorial Day is more than a long weekend; it’s a time to reflect, to remember, and to honor.