Luke Bryan Thanks Blake Shelton For ‘Paving A Way’

Luke Bryan and Blake Shelton joke around with each other and give one another a hard time now and then. But in a recent interview, when asked about Shelton leaving The Voice after the next season, Bryan had nothing but kind words for his friend. He said, "Getting the news that Blake's leaving The Voice, we've talked about our careers in those roles. Blake was a big reason why I decided to do American Idol. He's ready to move to the next chapter." Bryan added, "It's gotta be a good feeling. I wish him nothing but the best, and I thank him for paving the way for there to be a voice of country music on TV like that."

In the same interview, Luke also said about his friend and CMA Awards co-host Peyton Manning, "I think Peyton's best joke was the 'Plead the 5th' joke, I won't plead the 5th, but I'll drink a 5th. I had a good one about Peyton where we couldn't find a hat big enough for your head. Peyton had fun; he was excited to be in the room." He even ran into CMA winner Cody Johnson backstage, "I think I just high-fived him and told him 'great job.' He was super-pumped. Watching him interact with his crew, his producer, their intensity was so inspiring and fun, and that's what the night's all about showcasing the next generation."

After a December stint in Las Vegas, Luke's next venture will be January 2023's "Crash My Playa" event. It's an event he looks forward to every year, "It may be the highlight of the year. It's grown every year. Chris Stapleton will be there this year, and we are happy to have him down; Brian Kelley of FGL and Dustin Lynch is the Mayor of Playa. It's been an amazing festival. The fans have a good time, and they drink enough to last them through the rest of the year."