![How Blake Shelton Scored ‘The Voice’ Gig — Secret History of Country Music Podcast](https://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2020/08/shelton-voice-delay.jpg?w=980&q=75)
How Blake Shelton Scored ‘The Voice’ Gig — Secret History of Country Music Podcast
In hindsight, Blake Shelton was an unlikely choice for one of four high-profile coaching jobs on NBC's The Voice. Ten years later, he's the face of the show, to the point that it's impossible to imagine the reality show continuing without him. How did that happen?
In 2011, Shelton was a rising star with potential, but his commercial success was far short of historic. Musically, he was hit and miss over the first decade of his career. No. 1 hits like "Austin" and "Some Beach" were separated by songs that barely cracked the Top 40 (anyone remember "Heavy Liftin'"?) or even the Top 20. Sonically he'd flip-flop between powerful ballads that paid homage to the greats, and tongue-in-cheek, easy rockers that were good for a laugh. In short, he was all over the place.
That began to change when Shelton covered Michael Buble's "Home" in 2008, and as his relationship with rising star Miranda Lambert began to heat up. So, when it was time to choose a country judge to join Adam Levine, CeeLo Green and Christina Aguilera on The Voice, he was on a major upswing. But that's not why he got the gig.
Shelton's path to becoming country music's most famous (and in some cases, sexiest) male artist started with not one, but two reality show jobs he had early in his career. Looking back, both were short-term warm ups for a television gig that would put the focus squarely on him and his fellow coaches. We don't tune in to see the contestants each year — they're new, and after each season ends, mostly forgotten. But Shelton's banter with Levine, Kelly Clarkson and Gwen Stefani is must-see television.
On the Secret History of Country Music podcast, Taste of Country's Adison Haager and Billy Dukes explore how Shelton got here and how it has affected his career, for better and worse.
Believe it or not, despite a massive paycheck and all of the exposure, there are significant sacrifices. Is it worth it? Listen, click "follow" on your favorite podcast platform, and decide for yourself.
Season 1 of the Secret History of Country Music Podcast is an extension of the popular video series of the same name, and a part of the Townsquare Media podcast network.
Top Blake Shelton Songs: His Greatest Hits + Best Deep Cuts
More From KICK FM, #1 For New Country
![5 Theories About Eric Church’s Mysterious Social Media Posts](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2023/01/attachment-eric-church-plans.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Old Dominion’s No Bad Vibes Tour Was Named by Kenny Chesney](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/11/attachment-GettyImages-1035935020-e1672681167797.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![50 Best Country Party Songs for Every Occasion [Listen]](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2020/03/party-songs-playlist.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Jelly Roll’s Wife Bunnie Xo Sings a Very Naughty Christmas Song [Listen]](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/12/attachment-jelly-roll-wife.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![It Doesn’t Take Much to Please Brantley Gilbert’s Kids on Christmas](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/12/attachment-Brantley-Gilbert-Kids-Christmas.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Blake Shelton + Gwen Stefani Drop in at ‘The Voice’ Alum Jay Allen’s Oklahoma Ole Red Show [Pictures]](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/12/attachment-BlakeGwenJayAllen.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![What Christmas Looks Like for Jelly Roll’s Daughter — Taste of Country Nights, On Demand](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/12/attachment-jelly-roll-daughter.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Parmalee Plan Headlining Take My Name Tour for Early 2023](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/12/attachment-Parmalee.jpg?w=980&q=75)
![Russell Dickerson ‘Always’ Brings His Son on Tour — Even on a 16-Person Bus in Europe](http://townsquare.media/site/204/files/2022/10/attachment-russell-dickerson-prank.jpg?w=980&q=75)