Blake Shelton took an unforgettable journey to the 2025 ACM Awards — not by private jet, but behind the wheel of his own truck. The country superstar drove all the way from his Oklahoma home to Texas to perform his latest hit, Texas, marking a moment that felt deeply personal and symbolic. “It was like, wow, I’m literally going to Texas to sing ‘Texas’ at the ACM Awards,” Shelton told Country Now, reflecting on the mix of excitement and nostalgia that came with the ride.
The song itself has already struck a chord with fans, quickly earning Shelton his 30th No. 1 hit. Written by Johnny Clawson, Kyle Sturrock, Josh Dorr, and Lalo Guzman, Texas serves as the lead single for his upcoming album, For Recreational Use Only, which releases just one day after the ACM Awards. Shelton’s heartfelt lyrics and classic country sound have resonated widely, reminding listeners why he remains a mainstay in the genre.
Shelton compared the song’s significance in his career to the impact of his previous hit, God’s Country. “I was kind of starting to think, well, maybe that was it,” he admitted. “So to your point, I mean it is like a ‘God’s Country’ almost.” Texas not only signals a triumphant return to the top of the charts but also reflects Shelton’s continued dedication to authentic country storytelling.
Driving to the awards instead of flying gave the experience an added layer of meaning. For Shelton, the open road represents the essence of country life — honest, grounded, and full of emotion. The dust on his boots and the miles behind the wheel were more than a physical journey; they symbolized a return to roots, both musically and personally.
The 2025 ACM Awards lineup was stacked with talent, including Kelsea Ballerini, Eric Church, Alan Jackson, Miranda Lambert, Ella Langley, Megan Moroney, Chris Stapleton, Zach Top, and Lainey Wilson. The show also celebrated six decades of Songs of the Year with performances from Clint Black, Dan + Shay, Wynonna Judd, Reba McEntire, LeAnn Rimes, and Sugarland, promising a night full of country’s finest moments.
Shelton’s performance was part of a series of collaborations, including Backstreet Boys with Rascal Flatts, Jelly Roll teaming up with Shaboozey, and Brooks & Dunn joining Cody Johnson. Yet, it was his personal connection to the song Texas and the journey to the stage that gave his appearance an emotional depth fans won’t soon forget.
Hosting duties fell once again to 16-time ACM Award-winner Reba McEntire, marking her 18th time leading the show — more than any other artist in ACM history. Her presence set the tone for an evening celebrating the enduring legacy and evolution of country music.
For viewers worldwide, the 60th ACM Awards streamed live on May 8, 2025, via Prime Video and the Amazon Music channel on Twitch, reaching over 240 countries and territories. Blake Shelton’s Texas performance, complete with the journey and personal significance behind it, reminded fans that sometimes the road to music’s biggest moments is just as meaningful as the stage itself.
