Country music icon Blake Shelton unveiled the official music video for his new single, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’,” today on CMT, with a high-profile debut in New York City’s Times Square. The video premiered on the Paramount Billboard at 12 p.m. ET, with a second viewing scheduled for 5 p.m. ET. Fans can watch the new video now across platforms.
A Cinematic Tribute to Generations of Country Living
Directed by Adam Rothlein and Jennifer Ansell of Tiny Terror Productions, Shelton’s longtime creative partners, the video blends cinematic visuals with AI-driven effects to tell a deeply emotional story. It follows the journey of a family home across seven generations, capturing the birth, life, and eventual passing of the structure.
More than just bricks and wood, the house symbolizes tradition, hard work, and the unwavering spirit of rural America. Each new generation depicted in the video carries forward a legacy rooted in simplicity, values, and resilience—a reflection of the song’s core message.
“Staying country isn’t just about where you live,” the video suggests. “It’s about how you live.”
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A High-Energy Anthem for Small-Town Pride
Written by Drew Parker, Graham Barham, Sam Ellis, and Beau Bailey, “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” is a gritty, adrenaline-fueled anthem that celebrates rural toughness and small-town pride. The single follows Shelton’s 30th No. 1 hit “Texas” and is already making its way up the country charts.
“When I heard ‘Stay Country or Die Tryin’,’ it took me back to the first time I heard ‘Ol’ Red’ or ‘God’s Country,’” Shelton shares. “It’s full of energy and packed with those sayings and moments that feel like home to me. I love singing this one live—it’s a blast.”
Shelton recently brought the track to life during his headlining performance at CMA Fest 2025 at Nissan Stadium. The performance aired as part of the ABC primetime special CMA Fest presented by SoFi, hosted by Cody Johnson and Ashley McBryde, and is now streaming on Hulu.
Featured on For Recreational Use Only
“Stay Country or Die Tryin’” is featured on Shelton’s brand-new album For Recreational Use Only, out now via BBR Music Group/BMG Nashville. The 12-track album marks his first full-length project in nearly four years and includes a mix of new collaborations and fan favorites.
Track highlights include:
- No. 1 single “Texas”
- Emotional ballad “Let Him In Anyway”
- Guest appearances by Gwen Stefani, John Anderson, and Craig Morgan
Shelton’s Impact and What’s Next
With a career that spans over two decades, Blake Shelton has earned 30 No. 1 singles, sold 52 million singles and 13 million albums, and amassed nearly 11 billion global streams. His list of accolades includes six Academy of Country Music Awards, three American Music Awards, ten CMA Awards, 11 CMT Awards, and six People’s Choice Awards.
He began the year with his Live in Las Vegas residency at The Colosseum at Caesars Palace and recently wrapped his Friends & Heroes Tour, where he shared the stage with Craig Morgan, Deana Carter, Trace Adkins, and Emily Ann Roberts.
This summer, Shelton is set to headline several major country music festivals. He also continues to grow his Ole Red brand in partnership with Ryman Hospitality, with locations in Tishomingo, Nashville, Gatlinburg, Orlando, and most recently, a new flagship venue on the Las Vegas Strip featuring a rooftop stage and bar.
