Blake Shelton Concert Review: What You See Is What You Get

Blake Shelton’s life has changed dramatically in the last year. Face time with millions of viewers every week on NBC’s The Voice isn’t hurting his record sales. Shelton is familiar with the role of talent judge (Nashville Star ring a bell?) but this is on a much bigger scale. Signs proclaiming allegiance to “Team Blake,” were being held high during his performance at the Hp Pavilion in San Jose. Although the huge venue wasn’t at capacity, thousands turned up to the see the country star. And Shelton gave them their money’s worth.

Shelton promised the opening slot on his tour to Dia Frampton, a contestant on The Voice. He came through with that promise and there she was, center stage, in front of thousands of hard core country fans. Frampton is no stranger to crowds having performed for years with her band Meg and Dia. She’s now a solo artist, with the same band backing her up, and her unique voice and style had the country crowd interested.

As she ran from one side of the stage to the other, barefoot at that, rocking out to catchy melodies and hitting multiple high notes the audience got louder and louder. Shelton has found a seasoned artist who is still hungry for the spot light. Frampton is a refreshing act that deserves the massive attention she’s receiving.

After Justin Moore brought the crowd to their feet with his self proclaimed “NRA Country,” the man of the hour emerged. Shelton has never been one for an elaborate show. He usually goes the George Strait route. A microphone and a guitar suit him fine. But this time around was much different. Back up singers and a huge lighting rig that brought the feel of a roof over a barn, were center stage along with Shelton. His set list was also tweaked a bit. Mid way through the show he covered a Cee Lo Green song,

The one thing that no one will receive from Shelton is an apology. The man speaks and sings from the heart. That’s why his audience is loyal. Shelton did a lot of talking through out the 90 minute set. Subjects included his first meeting with his television cast mates, Twitter and a young couple in the front row that Shelton had no problem embarrassing multiple times. His orations were almost as entertaining as his memorable music.

There was a roar when he hit the notes of the song that started it all “Austin.” That first hit made him a force in the country industry. And dozens of recognizable songs followed that first offering. It’s no secret that Shelton has hit a new level of stardom. Performances on The Grammy’s and the Superbowl along with a hosting gig on the Academy of Country Music Awards in Vegas have made him a household name. But he makes it no secret that the fans that were there years ago are still most important to him. Shelton still enjoys belting out the lyrics to a good country song and if anything he says between those performances offends you, too bad. When it comes to Blake, what you see is what you get.