Music

Blake Shelton Helps Ashley Monroe Score Her First No. 1

“Lonely Tonight” Keeps It All in the Family
by 3/9/2015

Blake Shelton always puts family first — even when it comes to recording hit songs.

Shelton claimed another Billboard No. 1 last week with “Lonely Tonight.” Incredibly, the song is his 14th consecutive chart topper, but it’s his duet partner Ashley Monroe’s first time.

“I’ve known Ashley literally since she was … 18 years old … and she’s been a part of my family ever since then,” a proud Shelton told CMT Hot 20 Countdown. “Her and Miranda have become best friends … and Ashley has had a lot of success as a songwriter and as an artist with the Pistol Annies projects that they did together, but I wanna see her get her due as a solo artist.”

The track is also nominated at the upcoming 50th annual ACM Awards, where Shelton is set to resume co-hosting duties for the fourth year in a row. “Lonely Tonight” is the second hit from Shelton’s Bringing Back the Sunshine album, and the singer says he returned to his roots for the project.

“I think this album is different because it’s similar to what I used to do,” he said. “‘Cause I’ve kind of gotten so far away, you know? Every album I’ve ever made, I try to change it up a little bit and push the boundaries and try to just reinvent myself all the time.”

Despite the number of times Shelton reinvents himself musically, the singer’s authentic voice and witty personality keep fans with him through each twist and turn.

For more, tune into an all-new episode of CMT Hot 20 Countdown Saturday and Sunday (March 14-15) at 9 a.m. ET/PT.