Blake Shelton, a name synonymous with country music stardom, boasts an impressive career filled with chart-topping hits and memorable moments on NBC’s ‘The Voice’. However, before the fame and accolades, Shelton’s journey began in a rather unconventional way: childhood pageants. In a recent interview, Shelton humorously recalled these early experiences, describing them as ’embarrassing’ yet pivotal in shaping his path as a performer.
This article delves into Shelton’s early forays into the world of pageants, exploring how these experiences, though initially off-putting, ultimately contributed to his growth as an artist. From singing Ted Nugent at a beauty contest to nearly quitting music altogether, we uncover the story behind Shelton’s unique and unexpected start.
Join us as we explore how Shelton’s journey through childhood pageants shaped the country icon he is today. We’ll examine his initial embarrassment, the impact of his mother’s support, and the eventual realization that performing was his true calling.
The Pageant Boy: Blake Shelton’s Early Performances
Before Blake Shelton dominated the country music scene with 30 No. 1 hits and a 23-season tenure on ‘The Voice,’ he was a young, aspiring performer in Oklahoma. His mother, Dorothy, played a crucial role in nurturing his talent, diligently seeking out local venues and opportunities for him to showcase his singing. By the age of seven, Shelton found himself not only performing at beauty pageants but also participating in them.
Shelton humorously reflected on these pageant days during an appearance, calling them an ’embarrassing’ yet formative chapter of his early career. This candid recollection provides a glimpse into the less glamorous beginnings of a future superstar.
“Can’t you tell by looking at me that I’m pageant material?” Shelton quipped, showcasing his characteristic humor about the experience.
Signature Songs and Awkward Choices
During his time on the pageant circuit, Shelton developed a repertoire of songs, some of which, in retrospect, seem hilariously inappropriate for a young boy. He recalls two particular songs that became his ‘signature’ pieces.
“I had two signature songs back then… the only boy in the entire pageant,” he remembered. “My two songs were ‘Old Time Rock and Roll’ and ‘Cat Scratch Fever’ by Ted Nugent, which by the way, I had no clue and neither did my mom apparently what that song was even about…I think we literally thought it was about somebody’s house cat scratching them and making them sick or something.”
The innocence with which Shelton and his mother approached these song choices adds a layer of humor to the story, highlighting the naiveté of youth and the supportive, yet sometimes misguided, efforts of a loving parent.
The Breaking Point: Embarrassment and Humiliation
Despite his early success and his mother’s unwavering support, Shelton eventually reached a point where the embarrassment of performing in pageants became too much to bear. He recounted feeling ‘humiliated’ by the experience.
He admitted he felt like was “in 50 of ‘em” but in reality, the superstar says it was likely around six or seven. Regardless, it was something Shelton decided he no longer wanted to do.
“I was so embarrassed and humiliated by being in those pageants…I told her, I said, ‘Mom, I don’t want to sing anymore because it’s just embarrassing. And my friends are going to find out.’”
A Hiatus and a Renewed Passion
The experience was so disheartening that Shelton briefly quit performing altogether. It wasn’t until several years later, around the age of 12 or 13, that he felt the pull of the stage once more.
“But I quit after that because it was just embarrassing. And it wasn’t until I was probably 13, I guess, 12 or 13 that I started wanting to perform again.”
This period of absence allowed Shelton to rediscover his passion for music on his own terms, setting the stage for his eventual return to performing with a newfound sense of purpose.
Singing What He Loved: A Turning Point
Upon his return to performing, Shelton had the opportunity to sing the songs he genuinely loved. This marked a significant turning point in his journey, solidifying his commitment to a career in music.
“My mom found a little Opry-type hometown shows around Ada, Oklahoma. There was a couple of them, and she would go beg ’em to let me be on, and it kind of started again. And that’s when I was finally getting to do back then Kentucky Head Hunters and Travis Tritt and Paul Overstreet and Mark Collie, these artists that I loved,” he shared. “And I was getting to do some country music and by then there was no, in my mind, there was no stopping me. This is what I was going to do.”
This experience allowed Shelton to connect with his true musical interests, fueling his determination to pursue a career in country music.
The Foundation for Success: Lessons from the Pageant Stage
In retrospect, Shelton acknowledges that those early, often awkward, performances laid the groundwork for his future success. He credits his mother’s unwavering support for helping him navigate those formative years.
Looking back, those early, sometimes awkward and “embarrassing” performances laid the foundation for Shelton’s future success. And he has his mom to thank for it.
Without those experiences, Shelton’s path to country music stardom might have looked very different. The lessons learned, the stage presence developed, and the unwavering support of his mother all played a role in shaping the artist he would become.
From Pageant Boy to Country Star: A Unique Journey
Blake Shelton’s journey to country music stardom is a testament to the power of perseverance, the importance of parental support, and the transformative nature of early experiences. While his time in childhood pageants may have been ’embarrassing,’ it ultimately served as a crucial stepping stone in his path to success.
Shelton’s story reminds us that even the most unconventional beginnings can lead to extraordinary achievements. His willingness to embrace his past, with all its awkwardness and humor, adds to his appeal as a relatable and authentic artist.
Blake Shelton’s unique journey from pageant boy to country star serves as an inspiring reminder that success often arises from unexpected places. By embracing his past and staying true to himself, Shelton has carved a lasting legacy in the world of country music.
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