“Blake Taught Me Those 3 Principles”: How Blake Shelton’s Guidance Helped Morgan Wallen Regain Confidence and Find His Voice

When country superstar Morgan Wallen reflects on his rise from a small-town dreamer to one of the biggest names in modern country music, he often points to a simple truth: authenticity is everything. Though there is no confirmed record of a formal “three-step” confidence lesson from Blake Shelton, the story of how Wallen found his footing—and how Shelton’s influence shaped that journey—has become one of country music’s most telling tales of mentorship and redemption.

🎤 The One That Got Away

Their connection traces back to 2014, when a 20-year-old Morgan Wallen appeared on The Voice during Season 6. Initially part of Usher’s team and later Adam Levine’s, Wallen’s time on the show ended earlier than fans might remember—well before his signature sound ever reached its full form.

Blake Shelton, then already a dominant coach on the show, watched from afar. Years later, he would publicly call Wallen “the one that got away,” admitting with good humor and a touch of regret, “I look back now and go, what the hell? Morgan Wallen was on the show, and I didn’t even get to work with him!”

That missed opportunity didn’t stop the two from connecting later. Behind the scenes, Shelton has long been known to offer advice to younger country artists—words centered less on fame and more on staying grounded.

🌾 The Three Principles of Self-Confidence

While the exact “three principles” referenced by fans aren’t documented verbatim, Shelton’s philosophy about success in country music—and life—has always revolved around three clear ideas:

1. Be Yourself, No Matter Who’s Watching.
   Shelton has often told rising artists that trying to mimic others never works. Wallen himself echoed that sentiment years later, saying that during The Voice, he was being pushed toward a more pop-leaning vocal style. It wasn’t until a vocal coach encouraged him to “find [his] normal voice” that he rediscovered his true sound. “Once I stopped pretending and just let it be natural,” Wallen said, “everything clicked.”
2. Stay Rooted in Where You Came From.
   Both Shelton and Wallen share deep ties to small-town Southern life—Shelton from Oklahoma, Wallen from Tennessee. Shelton’s influence encouraged Wallen to lean into those roots instead of running from them. That decision would later shape songs like “Whiskey Glasses” and “Sand in My Boots,” which turned personal stories into nationwide hits.
3. Confidence Comes From Consistency, Not Perfection.
   Shelton’s long-running career has always embodied perseverance. In interviews, he’s emphasized that confidence is built through showing up—even when the stage lights feel harsh. Wallen took that to heart after setbacks early in his career, channeling vulnerability into his songwriting rather than letting it break him.

🎶 From Crisis to Clarity

The “crisis” Wallen faced wasn’t just professional—it was personal. Like many young stars, he navigated public scrutiny and moments of self-doubt. But the lessons drawn from mentors like Shelton helped him recalibrate. By embracing his authentic voice—both literally and figuratively—he emerged stronger, eventually headlining sold-out arenas and topping charts across genres.

🤝 A Legacy of Mentorship

For Blake Shelton, whose tenure on The Voice produced countless stars, seeing Wallen’s success has been both gratifying and humbling. “I can’t take credit for him,” Shelton once said with a laugh, “but I sure am proud of him.”

In the end, the story of Shelton and Wallen is less about formal coaching and more about shared wisdom: that confidence grows from knowing who you are, where you come from, and why your voice—no matter how different—matters.

As Wallen continues to dominate the charts, his success stands as living proof that authenticity isn’t just a career strategy. It’s a principle worth carrying through every crisis—and every song.