Blake Shelton is about to take the spotlight on his first major U.S. tour, rubbing shoulders with R&B icons like Monica and Brandy. With Grammy winners Kelly Rowland and Muni also on board, the stage is set for some serious magic…
Country superstar Blake Shelton is stepping onto an entirely new stage—and bringing some of R&B’s most beloved voices with him. Announcing his first major U.S. headlining tour that breaks the mold of typical country shows, Shelton will be joined by powerhouse artists including Monica, Brandy, Kelly Rowland, and rising R&B sensation Muni Long. Together, they’re promising a night of unexpected collaborations and unforgettable performances in what many are already calling the most ambitious crossover tour of the year.
Dubbed the Country Meets Soul Tour, this coast-to-coast event will launch in September, sweeping through more than 20 major cities from Atlanta to Chicago, Denver to Los Angeles. Each stop will bring together the grit and heart of country with the smooth, soulful sounds of R&B—genres that, while distinct, share deep roots in storytelling and emotion.
Shelton, known for his rugged charm and massive hits like “Honey Bee” and “God’s Country,” says he’s been dreaming of this type of musical experiment for years. “I’ve always respected the raw power of R&B,” Shelton told Rolling Stone in a recent interview. “There’s something about the way those singers pour their hearts into every word. I want to share a stage with that kind of passion—and show fans that great music transcends genre.”
The setlist alone has fans buzzing. Early rehearsal leaks suggest epic mashups like Brandy’s “The Boy Is Mine” blending seamlessly with Shelton’s “Austin,” and a show-stopping duet of Kelly Rowland’s “Motivation” reimagined as a sultry country ballad. Monica, whose timeless voice brought hits like “Angel of Mine,” is expected to join Shelton for an acoustic rendition of his “Sangria,” promising a moment of breathtaking intimacy.
But the tour isn’t just a chance to sing familiar songs in new ways. According to producers, Shelton and his R&B collaborators have been writing fresh material in secret studio sessions in Nashville and Atlanta. These new songs will debut live on tour, offering audiences the thrill of hearing genre-crossing originals for the first time—songs built from the ground up to merge country storytelling with soulful R&B melodies.
Kelly Rowland, who first rose to fame as a member of Destiny’s Child, expressed her excitement about the project on social media: “This is exactly the kind of tour I’ve always dreamed of—a stage where walls between styles come crashing down. Blake and I have something amazing in store!”
Beyond the music, Country Meets Soul promises a spectacle of production that will leave fans breathless. The stage design will morph each night from rustic country barns to neon-lit cityscapes, capturing the essence of both genres. Massive LED screens will project immersive visuals, from sun-drenched countrysides to urban street scenes, creating an atmosphere that feels both familiar and entirely new.
Special effects will include pyrotechnics timed to some of Shelton’s rowdiest numbers, while intimate spotlight moments will accompany heartfelt duets. Expect a high-energy band blending pedal steel guitars with R&B bass lines, plus a multi-genre dance troupe choreographed to bring the music’s cross-genre message to life.
The excitement is also translating to ticket sales. Promoters report that VIP presales sold out within minutes, with standard tickets projected to move just as quickly once they hit the general market next week. Fans on social media are already coordinating meetups in their cities, sharing excitement for what many call a once-in-a-lifetime chance to see artists they love from two different worlds sharing a single stage.
Music critics are equally intrigued. “Shelton’s willingness to go outside his lane is refreshing in a time when many stars stick to what they know,” said Latasha Young, senior editor at Billboard. “If he and these R&B legends can pull this off, they might not only entertain audiences but change the way we think about genre entirely.”
Meanwhile, rising star Muni Long—whose viral hit “Hrs and Hrs” captured millions—will open each show, bringing a fresh, modern R&B sound that’s won praise for its honesty and vocal power. Her inclusion signals a commitment by Shelton and the tour team to not only celebrate icons but also spotlight the next generation of soulful talent.
Charity will also play a role in the tour’s mission. A portion of proceeds will go to national music education nonprofits, aiming to inspire kids from all backgrounds to pick up instruments and find their own voices. Shelton noted, “Music changed my life. I want to make sure the next kid out there—whether they dream of Nashville or Atlanta—has that same shot.”
Shelton’s management team has hinted at a possible live concert film or streaming event to capture the tour, but details remain under wraps. Insiders say the team is in talks with major platforms to bring Country Meets Soul to a global audience, extending the tour’s message of unity through music.
As fans count down the days to opening night, one thing is clear: Blake Shelton is proving that true artists never stop growing. By joining forces with Monica, Brandy, Kelly Rowland, and Muni Long, he’s betting big on the idea that the most powerful moments in music happen when voices come together—even when they come from different worlds.
Get ready, America—this fall, country and R&B are about to collide in the best way possible.
