Blake Shelton set the stage ablaze as his Friends & Heroes Tour roared to life with a string of sold-out shows this past weekend. Kicking off at Rupp Arena in Lexington, KY, the tour then made stops in Knoxville, TN, and Greensboro, NC, thrilling fans with a dynamic mix of classic hits, rising favorites, and special guest performances.
From the moment Shelton stepped onto the stage, the atmosphere was electric. The Lexington Herald-Leader hailed the night, saying, “Blake Shelton Pours Out The Love To Country Heroes,” while the Knoxville News described the show as an “epic country party.” With a setlist spanning Shelton’s storied career, alongside performances from some of his greatest musical influences, the night was a true tribute to country music’s legacy.
A Star-Studded Night of Country Hits
Opening the show, one of our previous Artists to Watch Emily Ann Roberts warmed up the crowd with a lively 25-minute set before Shelton took command of the stage, kicking things off with his latest No. 1 hit, “Pour Me A Drink.” Greeting the audience with his signature wit, he quipped, “My doctor’s got me on medication, and now I only care about three things: drinking, having fun, and country music!”
The excitement continued as Shelton welcomed some of his longtime friends and musical heroes to the stage. Craig Morgan energized the crowd with hits like “Redneck Yacht Club,” “That’s What I Love About Sunday,” and “International Harvester.” Following Morgan, Deana Carter delivered a heartfelt three-song set, closing with her iconic CMA Award-winning No. 1 hit, “Strawberry Wine,” which had the audience swaying and singing every word.
Shelton kept the energy high, performing fan-favorites like “Honey Bee,” “Austin,” and his fast-climbing Top 10 single, “Texas.” Then came a show-stopping moment as Trace Adkins took the stage, commanding the crowd with powerhouse performances of “Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,” “You’re Gonna Miss This,” and “Ladies Love Country Boys.”
Fans were treated to a special duet as Shelton joined Adkins for their collaborations “Hell Right” and “Hillbilly Bone,” bringing the crowd to their feet.
Photo Credit: Jamie Wendt
A Grand Finale with True Country Camaraderie
As the night drew to a close, Shelton, Adkins, Morgan, and Carter gathered for an intimate acoustic set, showcasing the deep camaraderie and appreciation at the heart of the Friends & Heroes tour.
To wrap up the unforgettable evening, Shelton powered through a five-song finale, bringing it all home with his emotional smash hit, “God Gave Me You.”
The Herald-Leader summed up the night perfectly: “The heroes were obviously his guests, but Shelton made sure he was the one pouring the drinks.”
With an electrifying opening weekend in the books, Shelton and his Friends & Heroes are just getting started, with more nights of unforgettable country music ahead.
Upcoming ‘Friends & Heroes’ 2025 Tour Dates
📅 March 6 – Newark, NJ / Prudential Center
📅 March 7 – Boston, MA / TD Garden
📅 March 8 – Albany, NY / MVP Arena
📅 March 13 – Greenville, SC / Bon Secours Wellness Arena
📅 March 14 – North Charleston, SC / North Charleston Coliseum
📅 March 15 – Atlanta, GA / State Farm Arena
📅 March 20 – Baltimore, MD / CFG Bank Arena
📅 March 21 – Uncasville, CT / Mohegan Sun Arena
📅 March 22 – State College, PA / Bryce Jordan Center
