Blake Shelton Thankful for ‘Chemistry’ Lessons on ‘The Voice’
NBC's singing competition, 'The Voice,' was a surprise hit early on, drawing millions of viewers week after week. The instant camaraderie of the four judges -- Blake Shelton, Christina Aguilera, Cee Lo Green and Adam Levine -- helped make the show the highest-rated series debut of the season. While the show exceeded expectations, perhaps no one was more surprised than the celebrity judges.
"All four of us when we got there -- I remember that first meeting, we were all sitting there looking at each other like, 'What the hell is this show?,'" Blake recalls. "We were seeing these chairs spin around, and we didn't even know. Once we figured it out, and more importantly once we figured out we had some chemistry with each other, that was just luck of the draw. Thank God. That's what's helping the show as much as anything, is that we do all get along, and we're not afraid to pop off to each other on TV, because we know that as soon as it's a commercial break, we're going to high-five and laugh about it. That's why we're relaxed, is because you're looking at four people who, when the show is over someday, we will remain friends."
The hit show has already been renewed for a second season, with rumors swirling about whether the four judges will all return next year. But if it's up to the 'Honey Bee' singer, the answer is a resounding yes.
"I'd love to do it again. We're still trying to figure out if that works or not," admits the 35-year-old. "That's probably everybody's intention. Whether or not they get all four of us back, that's still up in the air a little bit. Everybody involved wants that to happen. Now, the reality of that is you've got four different artists that are doing completely different things, and a network that they want things to happen in. Who knows what will happen, but I'd hate to miss it."
The reigning CMA Male Vocalist of the Year is currently juggling spending time in Los Angeles for the live taping of 'The Voice,' with touring with Brad Paisley on his H20 II: Wetter & Wilder tour and adjusting to married life with his new bride, Miranda Lambert. The Oklahoma native says it's important for him to find a way to make it all work.
"I don't think you get the luxury of saying 'I'm not doing this right now,'" he notes. "You have to figure out a way to balance that. And sometimes you don't even get that opportunity. But now that we know there's a second season of 'The Voice' coming, I know that touring and 'The Voice' is too much for me, so we're going to not tour for a month or so, and then we'll pick back up again after that. I think you have to prioritize. As far as handling all that stuff and the things going on, I've never changed my priorities."
In spite of a calendar that allows little time for rest and relaxation, the new groom says he is thrilled to have this much on his itinerary. "At this point in my life and my career -- I'm ten years into this and this is just now starting to take off -- it's icing on the cake to me," he says. "It really is. I figured I was marrying Miranda so I could retire, and now I'm having to work even harder. But it's fun. I didn't figure this thing would last this long, much less just getting started."
Blake will hit the stage four times this weekend, including shows in Nebraska, Kansas and Colorado. Keep track of his tour schedule here. 'The Voice' airs on Tuesdays at 9:00 PM ET. Blake's latest album, 'Red River Blue' is set for release July 12.
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