Blake Shelton Excited, Nervous About Ryman Concert

Blake Shelton admits he's somewhat nervous about his upcoming show at Nashville's Ryman Auditorium, which he attributes to feeling like an outsider. The singer tells Nashville's "Tennessean," quote, "I have been a little bit of a stepchild of the country music industry and maybe a part of that is because I've been a little bit controversial." Shelton notes he hasn't tried to distance himself, but explains that he's very independent and unwilling to conform to the expectations of others. However, it's because he hasn't felt embraced by country music's mainstream contingent that his Ryman show is particularly special to him. This will be his first headlining gig in Nashville, which Shelton calls "the peak for me so far." He adds that he's really enjoying how his career is unfolding, explaining, quote, "I know how lucky I am to be this far along and still be stepping up to new levels. This is the first time I've experienced this type of momentum." Shelton will be headlining at the Ryman this Thursday.