Blake Shelton kicked off his eagerly anticipated return to Las Vegas with a high-energy, hit-packed opening night for his residency Blake Shelton: Live in Las Vegas on Thursday, January 15, 2026, at the iconic Colosseum at Caesars Palace. The nearly two-hour performance delivered exactly what fans craved: a career-spanning celebration of his 25-plus years in country music, packed with 22 songs that blended chart-topping anthems, heartfelt ballads, and a handful of well-chosen covers paying homage to his influences.
Fresh off a successful initial run in February 2025 and riding the momentum of recent No. 1 singles like “Stay Country or Die Tryin’” and “Texas,” Shelton barreled onto the stage with his signature Oklahoma swagger, beer in hand, ready to turn the elegant venue into a rowdy honky-tonk. “It may be Thursday night, but every night is Saturday in Vegas, so let’s get this one started!” he declared early on, before cheekily adding, “And if you’re doing Dry January, take the night off,” as he raised a cup to the roaring crowd. The playful, conversational tone set the stage for an evening that felt intimate despite the 4,300-seat capacity—more like a night out with friends than a polished production.
The setlist was a masterclass in crowd-pleasing curation, drawing deeply from Shelton’s catalog of over 30 No. 1 hits while mixing in newer tracks and nods to classic country. He opened strong with “Pour Me a Drink,” his recent collaboration with Post Malone that earned cheers for its CMA Musical Event of the Year win, immediately setting a party vibe. From there, he rolled through early-career gems like “Austin” (his breakthrough 2001 debut single), “Some Beach,” and “Ol’ Red,” reminding everyone why he became a staple of 2000s country radio.
Mid-set highlights included fan favorites “Neon Light,” “Sure Be Cool If You Did,” “Sangria,” and “A Guy With a Girl,” each delivered with Shelton’s trademark baritone growl and easy charisma. He leaned into his more recent era with “Nobody But You” (his duet with Gwen Stefani), “Happy Anywhere,” and “God’s Country,” the latter igniting the arena with its anthemic power. The crowd stayed on its feet for high-energy numbers like “Hillbilly Bone” and “Boys ’Round Here,” singing along word-for-word as Shelton grinned and egged them on.
True to his promise of “more country,” Shelton paid heartfelt tribute to his heroes with lively covers. He channeled George Strait’s effortless cool on “All My Ex’s Live in Texas,” earning massive applause, and brought Alabama’s Southern rock spirit to life with “Mountain Music,” a perfect fit for his raspy delivery. These moments added depth, showing Shelton’s reverence for the genre’s roots while proving he can own any classic he touches.
The production kept things straightforward—no over-the-top pyrotechnics or elaborate staging—allowing the focus to remain on Shelton’s commanding presence, his tight band, and the pure joy of the songs. The Colosseum’s acoustics highlighted his vocals, letting the emotional ballads shine. He closed the night on a tender note with “God Gave Me You,” his enduring 2011 hit, sending fans home with a sense of warmth and reflection amid the high-octane fun.
This residency marks Shelton’s second extended run at the venue, following the sold-out February 2025 shows that proved his draw in Sin City. The January 2026 slate includes eight dates—January 15, 18, 21, 23, 24, 28, 30, and 31—with limited tickets still available for later nights. The shows align perfectly with Shelton’s current chapter: post-The Voice, he’s fully embraced live performance, his Ole Red brand, and new music from albums like For Recreational Use Only. His recent chart success and collaborations (including with Stefani, Craig Morgan, and John Anderson) infuse the set with fresh energy while honoring the hits that built his legacy.
Audience reactions were electric. Fans praised the “perfect balance of old and new,” the “raucous yet heartfelt” vibe, and Shelton’s easy banter that made the massive venue feel personal. One attendee called it “the best concert ever,” while others noted how the night captured Shelton’s essence: unapologetically country, fun-loving, and deeply connected to his fans.
As Shelton settles into this Vegas chapter, the residency feels like a victory lap for a career built on authenticity and endurance. With 30 No. 1s, billions of streams, and a fanbase that spans generations, he’s earned the right to command the Strip on his terms—beer in hand, hits on deck, and no apologies. If opening night is any indication, Blake Shelton: Live in Las Vegas is delivering exactly what he promised: more country, more cocktails, and nights fans will talk about long after the lights go down.
