On Monday, May 26, Blake Shelton finally stepped onto the American Music Awards stage — not just as a performer, but as a patriot. The 2025 AMAs, hosted by Jennifer Lopez and held at the stunning Fontainebleau Las Vegas, featured a star-studded lineup including Gwen Stefani, Lainey Wilson, Gloria Estefan, Reneé Rapp, and Benson Boone. But all eyes were on Shelton as he made his long-awaited performance debut.
Shelton’s First-Ever AMA Performance
Despite winning three American Music Awards over the years, Shelton had never performed at the show — until now. He took the stage to perform “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’,” a standout track from his brand-new album For Recreational Use Only, which dropped May 9. The single was released just a week before the show, on May 19, riding the momentum of Shelton’s 30th #1 hit, “Texas.”
Sporting a ribbon in red, white, and blue pinned proudly to his shirt, Shelton didn’t just bring country to the AMAs — he owned it. As glitz and glamor swept across the Vegas stage, Shelton stayed true to his roots, delivering a gritty, heartfelt performance that ended with a salute and a gesture toward his Memorial Day ribbon — a powerful reminder of the day’s deeper meaning.
“Never forget the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our country and our freedom. Remembering our heroes extra today,” Shelton wrote on social media before the show. #MemorialDay
Blake Introduces Gwen Stefani’s Milestone Performance
In a full-circle moment, Shelton also presented a segment during the show — introducing none other than his wife, Gwen Stefani. Celebrating the 20th anniversary of her groundbreaking album Love.Angel.Music.Baby, Stefani delivered a nostalgic, high-energy medley of hits including “Hollaback Girl,” along with a brand-new track from her latest release, Bouquet.
A Big Night for Country — and for Shelton
While the night featured iconic pop and Latin legends, it was also a major moment for country music. Lainey Wilson lit up the stage, and Shelton’s unapologetically country performance underscored the genre’s lasting place in American music culture — especially poignant on a day that honors the nation’s heroes.
With For Recreational Use Only now climbing charts and Shelton embracing his role as both performer and presenter, his AMA debut proved worth the wait — and a highlight of the 2025 show.
