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Luke Bryan: Staying in the Country Game to Outpace Blake Shelton

Oct 15, 2025 | News

Luke Bryan might be one of country music’s biggest stars, but his reason for sticking around might surprise you. In a recent interview with CMT, Bryan humorously admitted that his continued presence in the country music scene is driven by one goal: staying ahead of Blake Shelton in the number of #1 hits.

The playful banter kicked off when a group of fans jokingly shouted, “Blake, we love you!” during the interview. Luke, never one to miss an opportunity for humor, shot back with a cheeky “Kiss my ass!” The interviewer then pointed out that Bryan currently edges out Shelton with 32 #1 hits to Shelton’s 30, a fact that fills Luke with pride.

“That’s the only reason I’m still in the game of country music,” Luke quipped. “To stay ahead. I thought [Blake] was retiring, but he’s back putting songs out. It’s not the deal we had.”

For fans of both artists, this light-hearted rivalry adds an extra layer of entertainment to their music. With Luke’s latest hit, “Country Song Came On,” keeping his tally at 32, and Blake’s “Texas” bringing him up to 30, the competition is closer than ever.

This playful feud is just another chapter in the longstanding camaraderie between the two country giants. Their mock rivalry not only keeps fans engaged but also highlights the mutual respect and friendship that underpins their public exchanges.

As the race for #1 hits continues, fans can only watch in anticipation to see who will come out on top. But one thing is for sure: Luke Bryan’s humor and competitive spirit ensure that the country music scene remains as lively as ever.

EVC Triton Media Player by Erick Castillo
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