In the world of country music, where rivalries can sometimes overshadow friendships, the bond between Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton stands out as a testament to camaraderie, humor, and mutual respect. For 18 years, these two superstars have shared a bromance that has entertained fans, sparked playful feuds, and even influenced each other’s careers. From their first meeting on a dance floor to their ongoing TV rivalries as judges on competing singing shows, Bryan and Shelton have built a friendship that blends genuine affection with good-natured ribbing. This is the story of how two of country music’s biggest names became best buds, turning their shared love for music, laughs, and a bit of friendly competition into a bromance for the ages.

The Dance Floor Beginning: A Bromance is Born

The story of Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton’s friendship began in 2007 at an awards show, a moment Shelton later recalled in an exclusive video for The Voice. As Shelton tells it, their first conversation revolved around line dancing—a fitting start for two country artists whose careers would later be marked by lively performances and danceable hits. “I first met Luke, I think, at an awards show,” Shelton shared. “The conversation was about line dancing. I think that was when we realized we were going to be friends.” While Shelton may have embellished the story for a laugh, the sentiment rings true: from that moment, the two hit it off, their shared sense of humor and love for country music laying the foundation for a lasting bond.

At the time, Shelton was already making waves in the country music scene, having released his debut album in 2001 with the chart-topping single “Austin.” Bryan, meanwhile, was a rising star, having moved to Nashville in 2005 and released his breakout single “All My Friends Say” in 2007. Despite their different stages of career success, the two found common ground in their Southern roots—Shelton hailing from Ada, Oklahoma, and Bryan from Leesburg, Georgia—and their laid-back, fun-loving personalities. Their friendship blossomed quickly, fueled by a mutual appreciation for each other’s talent and a knack for keeping things lighthearted.

Co-Hosting the ACM Awards: A Bromance in the Spotlight

By 2013, Bryan and Shelton’s friendship had become a fan favorite, and the two were tapped to co-host the Academy of Country Music (ACM) Awards together, a role they would reprise in 2014 and 2015. Their chemistry was undeniable, blending humor, charm, and a bit of mischief that delighted audiences. During their three-year stint as co-hosts, the duo’s bromance was on full display, with moments that ranged from playful jabs to heartfelt support.

One of the most memorable moments came during the 2015 ACM Awards, when Bryan won the Entertainer of the Year award. As Bryan accepted the honor, Shelton didn’t settle for a simple handshake or high-five—instead, he enveloped his friend in a “magical bro hug,” a gesture that captured the depth of their bond. The crowd roared with approval, and the moment became a highlight of the night, showcasing the genuine affection between the two. “We both agree it’s going to be a fun night, but it’s not about us and hosting,” Shelton had told Entertainment Tonight before the show, emphasizing their focus on celebrating the music. Yet, their dynamic as co-hosts added a layer of warmth and humor to the event, making it clear that their friendship was as much a draw as the performances.

Playful Feuds and Public Roasts: Keeping It Light

While their friendship is rooted in mutual respect, Bryan and Shelton have never shied away from poking fun at each other, often turning their playful rivalry into public entertainment. Over the years, they’ve traded jabs about everything from their music to their farming skills, with each barb adding to the lore of their bromance. In 2018, Bryan kicked off their ongoing “feud” with a comment to People, joking, “Your girlfriend is the only reason people are listening to your last two singles,” referring to Shelton’s then-new relationship with Gwen Stefani. Shelton didn’t miss a beat, firing back over the years with quips about Bryan’s looks, music, and even his dancing.

One notable exchange came in 2023, when Shelton posted a video on Instagram attempting a viral dance to Lauren Alaina’s “Thicc as Thieves.” Struggling to keep up with the choreography, Shelton’s awkward moves drew a cheeky comment from Bryan: “I didn’t think anything could be worse than your singing until now.” The roast, which garnered thousands of likes, was met with laughter from fans, who loved seeing the two superstars keep their banter alive. Later that year, during a concert in Birmingham, Alabama, Shelton took a dig at Bryan’s music, telling the crowd, “I’ve been to Luke Bryan concerts many times and people are singing every damn word to his songs, but his songs are stupid.” He followed it up with a mocking dance, mimicking Bryan’s signature moves, much to the delight of the audience.

Their rivalry extended to their roles on competing TV shows—Shelton as a coach on The Voice from 2011 to 2023, and Bryan as a judge on American Idol since 2018. The two often teased each other about their respective shows, with Shelton once joking that Bryan was “probably on steroids” due to his vanity, while Bryan fired back, “Do I look ‘roided? Is there ‘roids in donuts?” Their banter reached a humorous peak in 2016, when Shelton, asked by TMZ who he hoped to sit next to at the Grammys, quipped, “Luke Bryan, but he never gets nominated.” Bryan, unfazed, responded the next day with a grin, “Blake’s a terrible person,” a comment softened by his back-to-back CMA Entertainer of the Year awards.

Supporting Each Other’s Dreams: A Friendship Beyond the Jokes

Beneath the playful roasts, Bryan and Shelton’s friendship is marked by genuine support and encouragement. In 2018, when Bryan was considering joining American Idol, it was Shelton who gave him the push he needed. “You said, ‘Do it,’ I said, ‘Heck yeah, I’m going to do it,’” Bryan recalled on his podcast Party Barn Radio. Shelton’s encouragement opened a new chapter for Bryan, who has since become a beloved judge on the show, often citing Shelton’s success on The Voice as an inspiration. “Blake was a big reason why I decided to do American Idol,” Bryan shared in a 2022 interview on Country Countdown USA, reflecting on how Shelton paved the way for country artists on TV.

Their support extended to personal milestones as well. When Shelton married Gwen Stefani in 2021, Bryan was quick to celebrate the couple, even joking about sending an “embarrassing” wedding gift with “the Luke Bryan touch on it.” In a more serious moment, Bryan told People, “They were made for each other… I’m just very happy that they did find each other,” showcasing the depth of his affection for his friend. Shelton, in turn, has often praised Bryan’s talent and work ethic, acknowledging his success in the industry while keeping their banter alive.

Their rivalry even inspired creative ideas, such as Bryan’s pitch for a TV show called “Farmageddon,” a spin-off of Shelton’s game show Barmageddon. While Shelton jokingly called it one of Bryan’s “stupid ideas,” he also praised his friend’s relentless creativity, noting, “He’s constantly trying to come up with what’s next. That’s why he’s been so successful.” Though Shelton declined the idea, focusing on his music career after leaving The Voice, the pitch highlighted their shared sense of fun and willingness to collaborate, even if just in jest.

Farming Feuds and Shared Passions: A Bromance with Roots

One of the most entertaining aspects of Bryan and Shelton’s bromance is their ongoing “feud” over who is the better farmer. Both artists, deeply connected to their rural upbringings, own land—Shelton in Oklahoma and Bryan in Tennessee—and often tease each other about their farming skills. In 2022, on Apple Music Country’s The Ty Bentli Show, Bryan quipped, “He’s pretend farming… I’m actually planting stuff that human beings can enjoy. I’m not feeding a bunch of rabbits and moles and stuff.” Shelton, never one to back down, later joked that Bryan’s vanity and alleged “steroid use” gave him an edge in physical tasks like arm wrestling, a comment Bryan countered with, “Anything he can do, I can do better.”

Despite the jabs, their shared love for the land reflects a deeper connection to their roots, a theme that runs through their music. Shelton’s hits like “God’s Country” and Bryan’s party anthems like “Country Girl (Shake It for Me)” both celebrate the rural lifestyle, resonating with fans who see their own lives reflected in the songs. This common ground has strengthened their bond, even as they compete over who can grow the better crop or throw the better party.

A Bromance That Endures

As of April 28, 2025, Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton’s 18-year bromance remains as strong as ever, a beacon of friendship in an industry often marked by competition. Their journey—from a chance meeting on a dance floor to co-hosting the ACM Awards, trading jabs on social media, and supporting each other’s dreams—has endeared them to fans worldwide. Whether they’re roasting each other over dance moves, farming skills, or TV roles, their playful rivalry is always underpinned by a deep mutual respect and affection.

Their bromance has also inspired others, showing that success doesn’t have to come at the expense of friendship. Through their shared laughter, support, and love for country music, Bryan and Shelton have created a legacy that extends beyond their chart-topping hits—a legacy of brotherhood that continues to bring joy to their fans, one hilarious jab at a time. In a world where rivalries often dominate headlines, their story is a refreshing reminder that sometimes, the best competition is the kind that comes with a bro hug.