Blake Shelton is speaking out about his 2025 American Music Awards performance.
The Voice alum addressed backlash to his and wife Gwen Stefani’s performances at the May 26 ceremony being taped in advance, insisting the move for them to not perform live was outside of their control.
“Just now seeing these stories about Gwen and I pretaping our performances for the AMA’s,” Blake wrote in a post on X (formerly Twitter) May 27. “We came and performed when the show asked us to.. Really nothing else to say.”
During the broadcast, Blake performed his song “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” while Gwen delivered a medley of her singles “Sweet Escape” and “Hollaback Girl” to commemorate the 20th anniversary of her 2005 AMA win. However, some members of the audience expressed their disappointment that the numbers were filmed prior to the event.
“The craziest part of the AMAS last night was being told ‘and here’s Blake Shelton live’ only for them to light up the stage like he's there and never saying to us it was prerecorded,” one spectator wrote in a TikTok post showcasing the view from their seat. “THEN, doing the same thing with Gwen Stefani!”
Another person in attendance posted a video on the platform alleging that the audience “was confused” by the production choice, writing in the caption that “it was giving 2020 remote awards show vibes.”
But Blake and Gwen weren’t the only stars to spark online chatter during the show. As Shaboozey and fellow country artist Megan Moroney introduced the award for Favorite Country Duo or Group, viewers noticed that the “A Bar Song (Tipsy)” singer seemingly rolled his eyes as Megan stated that The Carter Family “basically invented country music.”
After the show, Shaboozey addressed the moment on social media by naming several Black country artists whom The Carter Family, which included Johnny Cash’s wife June Carter Cash, had cited as musical influences.
“When you uncover the true history of country music,” he wrote on X May 27, “you find a story so powerful that it cannot be erased.”
Keep scrolling to see all the stars who walked the red carpet at the 2025 AMAs.
Renee Rapp
There's no such thing as talking too much about the Sex Lives of College Girls alum's AMAs look.
Kendra Scott & Zac Brown
Instead of jeans, the country artist wore a suit that fit just right.
Benson Boone
The singer was his own beautiful thing at the AMAs.
Jon Batiste
The artist took his look to a higher level in his tuxedo and bow tie.
Shaboozey
Fans of the singer almost started a riot over his plaid, country-inspired look.
Ciara
The singer knows how to 1, 2 step into a perfect look.
Machine Gun Kelly
The "Emo Girl" singer was all smiles ahead of the AMAs.
Wayne Brady & Maile Masako
The actor took his daughter along as his plus one for the evening.
Nora Fatehi
The artist and actress stunned in her sequined, animal print look.
Rod Stewart
The musical icon was sailing along the AMAs purple carpet.
Heidi Klum
The model walked the carpet in a bold, all black look.
Nikki Glaser
The comedian's outfit hit the perfect note.
Tiffany Haddish
The actress was a vision in blue.
Dan + Shay
The musical duo's looks left the crowd speechless.
Becky G
The 28-year-old stunned in a cheetah-print strapless number.
David Guetta & Jessica Ledon
The DJ and his girlfriend coordinated in all black looks.
Jeff Beacher
The LA Showman strikes a pose in all black.
Jordan Chiles
The Olympian's look deserved gold.
Lainey Wilson
The country star channeled wildflowers for her purple carpet look.
Dylan Efron
The Traitors star looked faithful as ever in his green suit.
Spencer Pratt & Heidi Montag
The Hills alums struck a pose on the purple carpet.
Alex Warren
This look was anything but ordinary.
Megan Moroney
Fans of the country singer won't need caller ID to recognize the artist on the carpet.
Montana Tucker
The 32-year-old stunned in her beige gown.
Alix Earle
The influencer—and soon to be Dancing with the Stars contestant—donned a
Emilio Estefan & Gloria Estefan
The couple stunned as Gloria returtned to the AMAs for the first time in 30 years.
Tucker Halpern & Sophie Hawley-Weld
There weren't any purple hats in sight, but the Sofi Tukker duo were still primed for dancing on the people.
Pepa
The rapper—real name Sandra Denton—painted a mighty good picture on the purple carpet.
Rebecca Black
Even though it's not Friday, the artist arrived in style and ready to get down.
Kehlani
It was after hours, and the singer rocked her semi-sheer, sparkly mini dress.