Country music superstar Blake Shelton made his long-awaited performance debut at the 2025 American Music Awards, delivering a heartfelt and unapologetically patriotic performance of his newest single, “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’.”
The event took place on Monday, May 26, at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas, with a star-studded lineup and was hosted by Jennifer Lopez.
Shelton Honors Fallen Heroes on Memorial Day
Wearing a red, white, and blue ribbon on his shirt, Blake Shelton used his first AMA performance not only to showcase his music but also to pay tribute to fallen servicemen and women on Memorial Day. He concluded his performance with a military salute, pointing to the ribbon as a visible reminder of the day’s deeper meaning.
In a pre-show social media post, Shelton shared:
“Never forget the brave men and women who sacrificed everything for our country and our freedom. Remembering our heroes extra today. #MemorialDay.”
“Stay Country Or Die Tryin’” Marks a Bold New Era
Shelton’s performance featured “Stay Country Or Die Tryin’”, the latest single off his new album For Recreational Use Only, released on May 9. The song officially dropped as a single on May 19, following the massive success of his earlier track “Texas,” which recently became his 30th career No. 1 hit.
A Long-Awaited Debut
Although Shelton has won three AMAs in the past—including Favorite Male Artist – Country in 2011 and 2016, and Favorite Country Album in 2020—he had never performed at the show until now. His electrifying performance was one of the most memorable moments of the night.
He joined an impressive list of performers including Gwen Stefani, who celebrated the 20th anniversary of her album Love.Angel.Music.Baby with a medley of hits and a new track, Gloria Estefan, Reneé Rapp, Benson Boone, and Lainey Wilson.
A Country Salute on a Glamorous Night
While many artists leaned into the night’s glitz and glam, Shelton stayed true to his country roots. His performance stood out for its sincerity, simplicity, and message—reminding viewers of the real meaning of Memorial Day.
We love the Blake took time to recognize what Memorial Day is all about. Watch his performance below.
