If you ever needed proof of Elvis Presley’s lasting impact on music, Blake Shelton’s star-studded tribute special on February 17, 2019, was all the evidence you’d need.
Hosted by Shelton himself, the event brought together some of the biggest names in country music, including Carrie Underwood, Darius Rucker, and Keith Urban, to honor the King of Rock & Roll. But Shelton wasn’t just the host—he also took the stage for some unforgettable performances.
Shelton joined an all-star lineup to close the show with a powerful rendition of If I Can Dream, but that wasn’t his only standout moment. Throughout the night, he delivered electrifying performances of Trouble, Guitar Man, and a medley featuring Blue Suede Shoes, Don’t Be Cruel, and That’s Alright.
However, the true show-stopper of the night? Shelton’s take on Suspicious Minds.
Suspicious Minds has deep ties to country music. After Elvis made it a hit, legends like Waylon Jennings and Jessi Colter recorded their own versions, with their duet climbing to No. 2 on the Hot Country Songs chart. In 1992, Dwight Yoakam also put his own spin on it, taking it to No. 35.
By performing the song, Shelton wasn’t just paying tribute to Presley—he was stepping into a tradition carried on by some of country music’s greatest voices. And fun fact: his now-wife, Gwen Stefani, performed the song with No Doubt during an Elvis tribute special back in 2002.
Standing on a small stage in the middle of the audience, Shelton delivered a smooth and soulful rendition of the song, backed by rich harmonies from his background singers. His deep, heartfelt vocals added a new layer of emotion, proving that this wasn’t just another cover—it was a moment.
Fans were captivated, and even the most devoted Elvis purists had to admit that Shelton did the song justice.
After watching his performance, we can’t help but hope he’ll record Suspicious Minds for an album one day—his voice fits the song perfectly, don’t y’all agree?
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