Blake Shelton Pays Tribute to the Late Don Schlitz by Leading ‘The Gambler’ Singalong at ACM Awards
Blake Shelton honored the late songwriter Don Schlitz during the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards by leading a singalong of Schlitz's famous song, 'The Gambler.' The performance took place at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas, where fellow artists joined in the tribute. Schlitz, who passed away in April at the age of 73, was celebrated for his contributions to country music, including writing multiple chart-topping hits.
- ▪Blake Shelton performed 'The Gambler' as a tribute to songwriter Don Schlitz at the ACM Awards.
- ▪The event took place on May 17, 2026, at the MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas.
- ▪Don Schlitz passed away in April 2026 at the age of 73 and wrote several iconic country songs.
Opening excerpt (first ~120 words) tap to expand
Blake Shelton performs at The 61st Academy of Country Music Awards held at MGM Grand Garden Arena on May 17, 2026 in Las Vegas, Nevada. Rich Polk/Dick Clark Productions Trending on Billboard if ( !window.pmc.harmony?.isEventAdScheduledTime() ) { pmcCnx.cmd.push(function() { pmcCnx({ settings: { plugins: { pmcAtlasMG: { iabPlcmt: 2, } } }, playerId: '4057afa6-846b-4276-bc63-a9cf3a8aa1ed', playlistId: 'b7dab6e5-7a62-4df1-b1f4-3cfa99eea709', }).render("connatix_contextual_player_div"); }); } else { // This should only be get called when page cache is not cleared and it's event time.
…
Excerpt limited to ~120 words for fair-use compliance. The full article is at Billboard.
Discussion
0 commentsMore from Billboard
