Introduction:
Blake Shelton Opens Up About the Hit Song He Let Slip Away
Blake Shelton recently revealed a career “what-if” that still makes him pause: he once recorded Toby Keith’s smash single “I Wanna Talk About Me,” 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. “They said, ‘Not only do we not want this to be a single, we don’t even think it should be on the album. It’s that awful of a song,’” Shelton recalled with a laugh.
Shelton shelved the track, and Keith went on to take it to No. 1 for two months. “Of course it stung,” Shelton admitted, “but that song found the right home. Maybe it wouldn’t have been the same coming from me.”
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 “a true straight shooter who was bigger than life” and “an amazing friend.”
The near miss hasn’t slowed Shelton’s career. With chart-toppers like “Austin” and “God’s Country,” plus 23 seasons coaching The Voice, he’s learned to trust his instincts while embracing the unpredictability of Nashville’s hit-making process. “Songs are like arrows,” he said. “You can aim them, but you can’t control where they land.”
Shelton now shares that lesson with young artists: “If a song scares you a little, that’s probably the one worth taking a chance on.” And with a grin he added, “Look, I got to marry Gwen Stefani and drink a ton of free beer. If missing one hit song is the price, I’ll pay it.”