Blake Shelton Talks ‘Phenomenal’ Music From Country Newbies

Since joining "The Voice," Blake Shelton has captured the world's attention as he mentors a variety of budding talent. Those aspiring artists (and even some not on the show) have certainly captured the "Sure Be Cool If You Did" singer's attention, as well ... and way after the cameras stop rolling.

"I'll tell you who I'm most excited about right now: RaeLynn," Blake told to The Boot and other media, speaking of the Texas songstress who remains under his wing following her early departure from the reality competition's second season. "Her songs are phenomenal, and they're a step ahead of their time. I can't wait for people to start hearing that stuff."

He's so impressed by his former Team Blake member that he compares her to his wife, Miranda Lambert. "She's going to be one of those artists, similar to Miranda, that doesn't sound like anybody else and isn't making records like anybody else," Blake insists. "She's been good about keeping me in the loop, because she knows it drives me crazy if I don't know what's going on. I try not to be too in her business but it's hard for me to not at least want to hear stuff."

One of the co-writers of Mrs. Shelton's current single, "Mama's Broken Heart," is also on the 36-year-old singer's radar. "I've got to say I'm happy for Kacey Musgraves," Blake adds. "I've known her since she was probably 15 or 16 years old, going back to Lindale (Texas) and her being friends with the Lamberts. She's actually gone on vacations with us and I've seen her progress over the years and watched her grow up a little bit as a person and not just as an artist. How she's being celebrated, it's pretty cool to see that, I'm happy for her."

Along with RaeLynn and Kacey, there's another lovely lady whose new music Blake is particularly anxious to hear, "The Voice" Season 3 winner, Cassadee Pope. She's expected to release a country-pop single this year, followed by a full album on the Republic Nashville record label.