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Blake Shelton Values Country Music Over 'The Voice' Fame

Rick Diamond, Getty Images

Blake Shelton's current single, "Over," from his latest album Red River Blue, has a distinctly more pop sound than some of his other hits. But in spite of that -- and the country superstar's foray into TV stardom, thanks to "The Voice" -- Blake insists he isn't trying to become a crossover sensation.

"I made Red River Blue before 'The Voice' even happened,'" Blake explains (quote via Lancaster, Pa., radio station WIOV). "We were done with that record and it just kind of happened that way."

The four-time CMA nominee (including Entertainer of the Year) says that regardless of the success of the No. 1 country tune, which peaked at No. 43 on the Billboard Hot 100 chart as well, he has no interest in making music just to appeal to a wider audience. "I don't want to ever lose my core out there," the singer maintains. "I don't want them to feel like, 'Oh, you know, he's Hollywood now.'"

Blake is currently taping a third season of "The Voice" but makes it clear his priorities have nothing to do with TV stardom. "The most important thing that I have going in my life right now is this momentum at radio. It's just so exciting. That's way more important to me than 'The Voice' or any other things that I may have going on."

The singer-songwriter appears on the TV talent competition alongside fellow coaches Adam Levine, Cee Lo Green and Christina Aguilera and while he has signed on for another season in early 2013 (with Usher and Shakira replacing Cee Lo and Christina), he remains wary of the series taking up too much of his time.

""I love doing [the show]," Blake said, "and I hope to continue doing it forever. But they have to work with me so I can also tour. I just think taping two seasons a year is too much. The four of us cannot remain viable artists if we're taping back-to-back seasons of the show."

"The Voice" airs Monday and Tuesday nights at 8:00 PM ET on NBC.

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rpjohnson39

It is his career and he should do what feels right. They are paying him millions of dollars to sit in a chair and judge talent. But, if he feels you can't do two seasons of the show back-to-back, why did he re-sign with the show for the spring? Christina and Cee-Lo are got going to be on the next season. I think he is risking overexposure. Why go pay to see him in concert if you can see him every week on TV?

September 21 2012 at 9:08 AM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
bdot157

Was a fan of Blake's, sorry no more. Leave the show.............they've got to get rid of Levine as well.

September 20 2012 at 7:53 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to bdot157's comment
Darren

I agree the guy is an overrated bum

September 20 2012 at 7:58 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
francoeger

I agree Blake should apologize to no one. He is working almost around the clock to keep his fans happy. He loves country music and I know if it came to a choice he would dump the show for country music. He loves his fans,andhe loves touring.

September 20 2012 at 7:08 PM Report abuse rate up rate down Reply
rhurst223

I am glad that country artist are on tv. Blake should not have to feel like he needs to apologize for anything that he does. He is awesome and he sings from the heart. I dont recall anyone saying Reba went all hollywood when she had her show on tv.

September 20 2012 at 6:22 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply
1 reply to rhurst223's comment
Chris

Actually, there were many people who thought Reba was turning her back on country music at first because she didn't put out any music or toured the first few years and only focused on the tv show. Then Hollywood basically told her she was trying too hard to fit in. So she heard it from both ends. Now critics are singing a different tune now that we have all these country stars on tv. But Reba never changed who she was, and I agree with you. Blake shouldn't change either. That's why people want to watch them...........because of who they are.

September 20 2012 at 6:38 PM Report abuse +1 rate up rate down Reply

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