In the world of entertainment, few friendships have captured the public’s imagination quite like the playful rivalry between Blake Shelton and Adam Levine. The two, who spent 16 seasons together as coaches on The Voice, have become synonymous with witty banter and good-natured teasing. But during a 2018 appearance on The Tonight Show Starring Jimmy Fallon, Shelton shared a story from a New Year’s Eve celebration that left host Jimmy Fallon—and viewers—stunned. The tale involved Shelton, fellow Voice coach Kelly Clarkson, and a tearful Adam Levine, whose emotional breakdown became the highlight of an unforgettable night.
A Night of Revelry in Oklahoma
The story dates back to New Year’s Eve 2012, a time when Shelton, Levine, and Clarkson were already close friends, despite their onscreen antics suggesting otherwise. As Shelton recounted on The Tonight Show, the trio found themselves in Oklahoma, where Levine was performing with his band Maroon 5 at a casino near Shelton’s ranch. Shelton, a proud Oklahoman, invited Clarkson along with a specific purpose in mind: to “make fun” of Levine. “We went to Adam’s show to mess with him,” Shelton said with a grin, setting the tone for what would become a chaotic evening.
After Levine’s performance, the group—having indulged in a few drinks—decided to head back to Shelton’s ranch. They wisely arranged for a designated driver, ensuring they could enjoy the night without breaking any laws. However, their journey took an unexpected turn when they were pulled over by a deputy sheriff. “We knew we hadn’t done anything wrong,” Shelton explained to Fallon, emphasizing that their confidence stemmed from having a sober driver. This sense of security, however, led Shelton and Clarkson to adopt a rather bold attitude toward the officer—an attitude that Levine did not share.
The Police Encounter: A Clash of Perspectives
Shelton described the moment with a mix of humor and disbelief, noting the cultural differences that shaped their reactions. “In Oklahoma, if you’ve got a good point, you can talk back to the police sometimes,” he said, contrasting this with Levine’s perspective as someone from Los Angeles, where such behavior might be riskier. Shelton and Clarkson, emboldened by their belief that they were in the right, began to tease the officer. Clarkson, in particular, took the lead, zeroing in on the deputy’s “not cool-looking” mustache. “She was ribbing this guy hard,” Shelton recalled, imitating Clarkson’s taunts with a mischievous chuckle.
Levine, however, was not amused. The Maroon 5 frontman, known for his cool demeanor, quickly unraveled as the situation escalated. Shelton recounted Levine’s growing panic, mimicking his voice cracking as he pleaded with Clarkson to stop: “Kelly, shut up! Kelly, shut up!” Levine, convinced that their antics would land them in jail, broke down in tears, overwhelmed by the fear of arrest. “It got intense,” Shelton told Fallon, who could barely contain his laughter at the image of Levine, usually so composed, reduced to a nervous wreck.
The story, which aired on The Tonight Show on March 19, 2018, quickly went viral, racking up over 1.3 million views on Facebook alone. Fans on X echoed Fallon’s reaction, with one user posting, “I can’t stop laughing at Blake’s story about Adam crying on NYE—Kelly Clarkson is a legend for that mustache jab!” Another wrote, “Adam Levine in tears over a police stop is the best thing I’ve heard all year. Blake and Kelly are chaos agents.” The anecdote became a defining moment in the trio’s friendship, showcasing their dynamic in a way that was both hilarious and endearing.
A Deeper Look at the Trio’s Dynamic
The New Year’s Eve incident offers a glimpse into the unique bond shared by Shelton, Clarkson, and Levine. On The Voice, their interactions were often marked by playful jabs—Shelton and Levine, in particular, were known for their “frenemy” relationship, constantly at each other’s throats while maintaining a deep mutual respect. In a 2017 interview with The Tennessean, Shelton described Levine as “one of the best friends” he had, likening their connection to high school friendships that thrive on teasing. “I know every trick to get under his skin,” Shelton admitted, a sentiment that clearly played out on that fateful New Year’s Eve.
Clarkson, who joined The Voice as a coach in 2018, brought her own brand of humor to the mix. Her friendship with Shelton predated her time on the show, and their shared Southern roots—she’s from Texas, he’s from Oklahoma—gave them a similar outlook on life. This shared perspective likely fueled their decision to challenge the officer, a choice that Levine, as a city dweller, found terrifying. The incident highlights the cultural divide between rural and urban America, a theme often explored in country music but rarely in the context of celebrity friendships.
Levine’s reaction, while humorous in hindsight, also reveals the pressures of fame. As a global superstar, he was likely more aware of the potential consequences of a run-in with the law, especially in a state where he was less familiar with the norms. Shelton later joked to Entertainment Tonight that Levine had never returned to his Oklahoma ranch since that night, even referencing the film Deliverance to underscore how traumatic the experience had been for the pop star. “I’m trying to remember the year, but Adam Levine actually came and stayed with me in Oklahoma, the one and only time,” Shelton quipped, suggesting that the incident left a lasting impression.
The Aftermath: A Friendship Tested and Strengthened
Despite the drama of that New Year’s Eve, the friendship between Shelton, Clarkson, and Levine endured—at least for a time. They continued to work together on The Voice, with Clarkson and Levine serving as coaches alongside Shelton until Levine’s departure after Season 16 in 2019. Their onscreen chemistry remained a highlight of the show, with moments like the 2018 Tonight Show appearance showcasing their ability to laugh at themselves and each other.
However, rumors of a rift between Shelton and Levine have surfaced in recent years. According to a 2024 article on Music Times, Shelton’s wife, Gwen Stefani, reportedly disapproved of Levine’s behavior following a 2022 adultery scandal, leading to speculation that she wanted Shelton to cut ties with his longtime friend. While neither Shelton nor Levine has publicly confirmed a falling out, the Music Times piece notes that the two may not be as close as they once were. Levine’s return to The Voice as a coach for Season 27 in 2025 could provide an opportunity to see if their dynamic has truly changed, or if their bond remains as strong as ever.
A Critical Perspective: The Broader Implications
While Shelton’s story is undeniably entertaining, it also raises questions about privilege and accountability in celebrity culture. The trio’s decision to taunt the police officer, while played for laughs, could have had serious consequences in a different context. In 2012, the same year this incident occurred, the Black Lives Matter movement was beginning to gain traction, highlighting systemic issues in policing, particularly for marginalized communities. Shelton and Clarkson’s confidence in challenging the officer reflects a level of privilege that not everyone shares—a privilege that Levine, as a city resident, seemed more acutely aware of.
Moreover, the media’s framing of this story as a lighthearted anecdote glosses over the potential dangers of such behavior. While the trio escaped the situation unscathed, their actions could have escalated, especially given that they had been drinking. The fact that they were able to laugh about it later speaks to their status as celebrities, who often face fewer repercussions than the average person. This disparity is worth considering, especially in light of ongoing conversations about police reform and social equity.
A Lasting Memory in Pop Culture
As of April 2025, Shelton’s New Year’s Eve story remains a fan-favorite moment, often revisited in discussions about The Voice and the trio’s friendship. It’s a testament to the power of storytelling in entertainment, where a single anecdote can humanize larger-than-life figures like Shelton, Clarkson, and Levine. For Fallon, the story was a goldmine, providing a rare glimpse into the offscreen lives of some of music’s biggest stars. For viewers, it was a reminder of the joy that comes from unexpected moments of vulnerability and humor.
The incident also underscores the enduring appeal of Shelton and Clarkson, both of whom have built careers on authenticity and relatability. Shelton, now 48, has since stepped away from The Voice but continues to make headlines, most recently for his journey into fatherhood with Stefani. Clarkson, meanwhile, has solidified her status as a daytime TV staple with The Kelly Clarkson Show, where her down-to-earth charm shines through. Levine, set to return to The Voice, remains a polarizing figure, but his emotional breakdown on that New Year’s Eve has endeared him to fans in a way that his polished pop-star persona never could.
In the end, Shelton’s tale is more than just a funny story—it’s a snapshot of a friendship that, despite its ups and downs, has left an indelible mark on pop culture. Whether they’re teasing each other on The Voice or navigating a police stop in Oklahoma, Shelton, Clarkson, and Levine have proven that the best moments often come from the chaos of real life.
