Blake Shelton and Toby Keith shared a close friendship, so it was expected when Shelton announced he would headline a tribute to his late friend next week. As anticipated, Taylor Swift was among the first to offer her “help” with the event.
Shelton made it clear to Swift that this tribute wasn’t about her. He wasn’t willing to let her overshadow his role as the headliner, joking that it would turn into a “Tay Tay show” if she got involved.
Swift didn’t directly respond to questions but did mention that only Gen Xers call her “Tay Tay,” referencing a moment when Dwayne “The Rock” Johnson used the nickname on Lip Sync Battle.
Shelton said he didn’t care what nickname Swift preferred, as long as she stayed out of a situation where she didn’t belong.
He humorously recounted how he earned the headlining spot by “defeating George Strait and Lee Greenwood in a wrestling match, and Hank Williams Jr. at nude checkers,” emphasizing he wouldn’t let Swift, with her striking presence, steal the spotlight on his big day.
It was also noted that Swift is quite tall and graceful in heels, which is no easy feat.
Regardless of her stature, Swift won’t be involved with Shelton’s tribute to Toby Keith—a show that many are eagerly anticipating as a highlight, even hoping it might rival other big-name country events.