Introduction:

Blake Shelton Opens Up About the Hit Song He Let Slip Away
Blake Shelton recently revealed a career âwhat-ifâ that still makes him pause: he once recorded Toby Keithâs smash single âI Wanna Talk About Me,â but decided not to release it.
During an interview on The Bobby Bones Show, Shelton explained that he first cut the song after his producer Bobby Braddock encouraged him to try something more playful. But when the label tested it with a focus group, the reaction was harsh. âThey said, âNot only do we not want this to be a single, we donât even think it should be on the album. Itâs that awful of a song,ââ Shelton recalled with a laugh.
Shelton shelved the track, and Keith went on to take it to No. 1 for two months. âOf course it stung,â Shelton admitted, âbut that song found the right home. Maybe it wouldnât have been the same coming from me.â
Shelton also spoke fondly of his friendship with Keith, who passed away in February 2024. He gave a heartfelt eulogy at the American Country Awards, calling Keith âa true straight shooter who was bigger than lifeâ and âan amazing friend.â
The near miss hasnât slowed Sheltonâs career. With chart-toppers like âAustinâ and âGodâs Country,â plus 23 seasons coaching The Voice, heâs learned to trust his instincts while embracing the unpredictability of Nashvilleâs hit-making process. âSongs are like arrows,â he said. âYou can aim them, but you canât control where they land.â
Shelton now shares that lesson with young artists: âIf a song scares you a little, thatâs probably the one worth taking a chance on.â And with a grin he added, âLook, I got to marry Gwen Stefani and drink a ton of free beer. If missing one hit song is the price, Iâll pay it.â