Blake Shelton and Miranda Lambert first met in 2005, and they went on to marry in 2011. While they eventually ended in divorce in 2015, both are now happily married again—Shelton to Gwen Stefani and Lambert to Brendan McLoughlin. However, their chemistry was unmistakable during their early days, such as when they performed “You’re the Reason God Made Oklahoma,” originally by David Frizzell and Shelly West.

The performance was for CMT’s 100 Greatest Duets concert on September 18, 2005, the moment that started it all for Lambert and Shelton. They were introduced by Alan Jackson, and Shelton took the stage with his then-signature flannel and shoulder-length hair under a cowboy hat. He took the first verse and chorus solo, twanging his way through the classic song.

Miranda Lambert appeared to cheers and applause on a platform at stage right. She joined Shelton as she took the second verse. As she continues, Shelton watches with a smile, and it’s clear that this performance was what started their country music relationship. The performance earned them a standing ovation—and rightfully so. The cover remains one of the most memorable within the country genre, now nearly 19 years later.

New Music for Miranda Lambert and Blake Shelton’s Bygone Romance

The performance earned them a standing ovation—and rightfully so. The duet remains one of the more memorable to date, now 19 years later. As for current events, Lambert is gearing up for a new album release and Shelton recently announced a Las Vegas residency and his Friends & Heroes Tour 2025.

Shelton spoke with American Songwriter about his excitement to introduce his fans to other country music acts and their catalog.

“It’s a very powerful moment,” Shelton said. “As a fan, to sit there and go, ‘Holy sh*t, Trace Adkins just popped up out of that stage and sang ‘Honky Tonk Badonkadonk,’ ‘You’re Gonna Miss This’ and ‘Ladies Love Country Boys.’ Talk about leaving everybody wanting more, and that kind of energy lasts the entire night.”