Blake Shelton had a lot to celebrate on Wednesday night. Not only did he win the biggest prize at the CMT Awards, but he also opened Ole Red Nashville.
Shelton and the Ryman Hospitality Properties’ new restaurant and bar is finally open on Lower Broadway. They celebrated the big opening with a full-day of fun including national TV broadcasts and huge performances.
It started with a TODAY show appearance. Shelton actually co-hosted the fourth hour of the show with Hoda Kotb. “This is happening! This is real! We’re really here,” Shelton said when he sat down with Kotb to host on his Ole Red stage. Instead of the usual TODAY wine, Shelton and Kotb sipped on Ole Red’s signature cocktails, Tishomingo Sunset and Cumberland Punch.
Following that, Shelton performed live on the CMT Awards from his bar’s rooftop. He performed “Turnin’ Me On” with fans surrounding him and singing along.
After the party, there’s the after party and that was definitely the case following the award show. The after party continued at Ole Red Nashville with Shelton’s famous friends. The “Blake Shelton and Friends” concert opened with “Neon Light” but he also performed a few covers. Shelton sang Hal Ketchum’s “Small Town Saturday Night” and Eddie Rabbitt’s “Drivin’ My Life Away.”
In true honky tonk form, Shelton’s pals played an array of popular songs we all know and love. Trace Adkins, Lauren Alaina, Kelly Clarkson, Devin Dawson and Hunter Hayes were there. Jon Pardi, RaeLynn, Michael Ray, Darius Rucker, Dan + Shay, Little Big Town and more also performed. NASCAR driver Clint Boyer was also on hand to sing John Anderson’s classic “Seminole Wind” with Shelton.
Check out photos and videos from the Ole Red Nashville opening below.
