From their whirlwind romance to their shocking divorce, Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert were once country music’s golden couple.
Now, with both stars happily remarried, they’re navigating the complexities of exes, co-writing chart-topping hits, and moving on in their personal lives.
Their careers, intertwined for over a decade as a couple, have continued to thrive individually since their divorce in 2015.
This article dives into their unique relationship, exploring how they continue to find professional success while navigating the past.
From Humble Beginnings to Country Stardom
Miranda Lambert
Lambert’s musical roots run deep in Texas. Born in Longview in 1983, she began writing songs and performing at a young age. In 2003, she moved to Nashville to pursue her country music dreams.
After several independent releases, she signed with Sony Music Nashville in 2005.
Her debut album, “Kerosene,” arrived in 2005, establishing her as a rising star with a sassy attitude and a knack for storytelling.
Albums like “Crazy Ex-Girlfriend” (2007) and “Revolution” (2009) cemented her status as a country music force, known for her raw vocals, relatable lyrics, and edgy sound.
Blake Shelton
Shelton’s path to country music stardom began in Oklahoma, where he was born in 1976. He moved to Nashville in the early 2000s and landed a record deal with Giant Records in 2001.
His self-titled debut album arrived in 2002, featuring his breakout hit “Austin.”
Albums like “The Dreamer” (2003) and “Blake Shelton’s Barn & Grill” (2004) solidified his place in country music, known for his smooth vocals, catchy hooks, and relatable lyrics about small-town life.
A Power Couple Emerges
Their paths crossed in 2005, and an undeniable spark ignited.
They began dating in 2006 and quickly became a country music power couple. Their musical collaborations, both on and off the stage, became a staple of award shows and country music events.
| Year | Collaboration | Album |
|---|---|---|
| 2007 | “Barefoot Blue Jean Night” | Me and Gwen (Shelton’s Album) |
| 2011 | “Over You” | Four The Record (Lambert’s Album) |
| 2012 | “God Gave Me You” | Red River Blue (Shelton’s Album) |
These collaborations showcased their undeniable musical chemistry, with their voices blending seamlessly and their lyrics often hinting at their real-life romance.
A Decade of Hits and High-Profile Marriage
In 2011, after five years of dating, Lambert and Shelton tied the knot in a romantic ceremony in Texas.
Their marriage became a constant fixture in country music news, with fans eagerly following their every move. Throughout the decade, both artists continued to churn out chart-topping hits.
Key Albums and Hit Songs (2011-2015)
| Artist | Album | Year | Hit Singles |
|---|---|---|---|
| Miranda Lambert | Platinum | 2011 | “Heart Like Mine,” “All About You” |
| Blake Shelton | Cheers, It’s Christmas | 2012 | “Came Here to Forget” |
| Miranda Lambert | Pesto Tators and Gravy | 2013 | “Automatic,” “Somethin’ Bad” (ft. Carrie Underwood) |
| Blake Shelton | Bringing Back the Sunshine | 2014 | “Boys ‘Round Here,” “My Eyes Don’t Cry” |
| Miranda Lambert | The Weight of These Wings | 2016 | “Vice,” “Foggy Window” |
Lambert’s music during this period explored themes of female empowerment, heartbreak, and resilience, resonating with a wide audience.
Shelton continued to deliver radio-friendly hits with a touch of his signature Oklahoma charm. Their individual success, coupled with their high-profile marriage, solidified their status as country music royalty.
An Unexpected Split and Moving On
In 2015, shocking news broke that Lambert and Shelton were divorcing.
The announcement sent shockwaves through the country music world. While the exact reasons for the split remain private, both artists poured their emotions into their music following the divorce.
Lambert’s cathartic album, “The Weight of These Wings” (2016), explored themes of heartbreak and healing. Shelton released “If I’m Honest” (2016), featuring a more introspective tone.
Despite the personal turmoil, their musical talent continued to shine. Both Lambert and Shelton received critical acclaim for their post-divorce albums:
- Miranda Lambert’s “The Weight of These Wings” (2016): This album garnered widespread praise for its raw honesty and emotional depth. Tracks like “Vice” and “Foggy Window” showcased Lambert’s vulnerability and songwriting prowess. Critics lauded the album as a powerful exploration of heartbreak and healing, solidifying her reputation as one of country music’s most compelling storytellers.
- Blake Shelton’s “If I’m Honest” (2016): Shelton took a more introspective approach on this album. Tracks like “Go Ahead and Break My Heart” and “If I’m Being Honest” explored themes of vulnerability and self-reflection. The album resonated with fans who saw a new side of Shelton, a departure from his usual bravado. While commercially successful, the album received a mixed critical reception. Some appreciated its honesty, while others felt it lacked the upbeat energy of his previous work.
These albums marked a turning point in their careers. They showcased their ability to translate personal experiences into compelling music, further solidifying their positions as leading figures in country music.
Navigating the Ex-Factor: Maintaining Professionalism
The split presented a unique challenge for Lambert and Shelton – navigating their careers in the same industry while being exes. Here’s how they handled it:
- Maintaining Professional Distance: While collaborations ceased, they continued to perform at award shows and industry events. They kept interactions professional, avoiding public displays of animosity.
- Focus on Solo Success: Both artists channeled their energy into their solo careers. Lambert embarked on successful tours and released critically acclaimed albums like “Wildcard” (2019) and “Palomino” (2021). Shelton continued to dominate the charts with albums like “Texoma” (2017) and “Body Like a Back Road” (2019). Their focus on individual growth ensured both remained at the forefront of country music.
- Finding New Love: Lambert began dating singer-songwriter Evan Felker in 2018, though the relationship ended in 2019. In 2019, Shelton began dating Gwen Stefani, his co-star on the singing competition show “The Voice.”
Interesting facts about the divorce of this lovely couple:
Finding New Happiness
In 2020, Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani tied the knot. Their relationship brought a new chapter to Shelton’s life, and their public displays of affection showcased a newfound happiness.
The couple win the hearts with their sweet duet.
“Purple Irises” is Shelton’s thirty-eighth career top 10 hit on the Country Digital Song Sales chart. with one more win to his credit, he now claims the most top 10 smashes among solo male artists of all time on that specific ranking.
According to Billboard
Lambert, on the other hand, took a different path. In February 2022, she married Brendan McLoughlin, a New York City police officer, in a private ceremony. Social media posts hinted at a quiet, domestic life for Lambert, a stark contrast to the high-profile relationship she shared with Shelton.
Have They Reconciled?
Despite their separate paths, Lambert and Shelton have maintained a respectful distance. There have been no public spats or negative comments.
In 2021, they even reunited for a performance of their hit duet, “Barefoot Blue Jean Night,” at the CMT Awards. This performance sparked rumors of a reconciliation, but both artists quickly dismissed them.
Miranda Lambert: Chart-Topping Tours and Domestic Bliss
Since the whirlwind of her divorce from Blake Shelton in 2015, Miranda Lambert has carved a path of artistic exploration and domestic tranquility.
Her musical fire continues to burn brightly, evidenced by the release of her critically acclaimed album, “Palomino,” in April 2021.
The record, a genre-bending exploration of classic country, rock, and roll, and even a touch of Texas blues showcased Lambert’s artistic growth and her ability to connect with audiences on a deeper level.
Following the album’s release, Lambert embarked on a highly successful tour. Dubbed the “Palomino Hunt,” the tour crisscrossed North America, packing out arenas and amphitheaters with fans eager to experience her electrifying live performances.
Throughout the tour, Lambert’s energy and stage presence remained unmatched, reminding everyone why she’s considered one of country music’s most captivating performers.
While her touring schedule keeps her busy, Lambert has also embraced a more private lifestyle compared to her earlier years.
Her social media presence has become more low-key, with occasional posts offering glimpses into her life on the road or at her Nashville ranch.
Despite the lack of recent news about upcoming projects, Lambert’s dedicated fanbase eagerly awaits her next musical move.
Whether it’s a brand new album, a surprise collaboration, or another captivating tour, one thing is certain: Miranda Lambert remains a force to be reckoned with in the ever-evolving world of country music.
Blake Shelton: Coaching, Collaborating, and Continued Success
Blake Shelton’s post-divorce journey has been one of continued success in the music industry and a blossoming personal life with his wife, Gwen Stefani.
He remains a mainstay on the popular singing competition show “The Voice,” where his down-home charm and witty banter with fellow coaches continue to entertain audiences. Shelton’s presence on the show has undoubtedly helped him reach new generations of fans and solidify his status as a household name.
While there haven’t been any official announcements regarding new solo music, Shelton likely hasn’t strayed far from the recording studio.
His commitment to music is well-documented, and fans can likely expect new material to drop sometime in the future. He might even surprise everyone with a collaborative effort, as he’s known for his willingness to experiment with different sounds and artists.
Shelton’s social media presence offers a glimpse into his life beyond music. He frequently shares photos with his wife, Gwen Stefani, showcasing their playful dynamic and public displays of affection.
Their relationship seems to be a source of happiness and stability for Shelton, and their combined star power makes them one of the most talked-about couples in the music industry.
While there haven’t been any major headlines or controversies surrounding Shelton recently, his presence remains significant. He continues to be a powerful voice in country music, influencing both established and aspiring artists.
With his continued success on “The Voice” and the promise of new music on the horizon, Blake Shelton is sure to remain a fixture in the country music landscape for years to come.
Conclusion: A Legacy of Music and Resilience
- Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton’s story is one of musical triumphs, a high-profile romance, and an unexpected split.
- Through it all, their dedication to their craft has remained constant. They have both achieved individual success, found new love, and continue to be influential figures in country music.
- Their ability to navigate their ex-factor professionally serves as an inspiration for others in the industry. Their musical legacies are undeniable, and their stories continue to resonate with fans worldwide.
FAQs
Q: Are Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton friends now?
A: There is no public confirmation of a friendship, but they maintain a respectful professional distance.
Q: Will Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton ever collaborate again?
A: It’s possible, but there are no current plans.
Q: Who has had more success since the divorce?
A: Both artists have achieved significant success. Lambert has garnered critical acclaim, while Shelton continues to dominate the charts.
Q: What are Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton working on now?
A: Lambert recently released a new album, “Palomino,” and continues to tour. Shelton is a coach on “The Voice” and is likely working on new music.