Country fans may be surprised to learn that Blake Shelton once recorded Toby Keith’s hit “I Wanna Talk About Me” — and then threw it away.

Blake Shelton Recorded “I Wanna Talk About Me” First

During an interview on The Bobby Bones Show, Shelton revealed he was the first artist to cut the country-rap anthem. His producer, Bobby Braddock, thought it would be perfect because Shelton often joked around with silly raps in the studio.

Shelton recorded the track, but the label tested it with a focus group. The results were brutal. Shelton recalled:

“It was so terrible that they said not only do we not want this to be a single, we don’t even think you should put it on your album.”

Trusting the label, Shelton scrapped the song.

Toby Keith Took the Song and Made It a No. 1

Braddock shopped the song to other artists, and Toby Keith jumped at the chance. “I Wanna Talk About Me” landed on his 2001 album Pull My Chain and went straight to No. 1 on the country charts.

The song’s mix of humor, swagger, and rap-style delivery became one of Keith’s signature hits. It also proved that Nashville listeners were open to bold, playful songs that broke traditional molds.

Shelton Says the Song “Found Its Right Home”

Looking back, Shelton admits it stung to miss out on a hit, but he holds no regrets. Speaking with Jimmy Fallon, he said, “I think it found its right home.”

Indeed, the track’s brash energy suited Keith perfectly. Meanwhile, Shelton built his career with heartfelt ballads, upbeat anthems, and Oklahoma charm — eventually becoming one of country music’s most recognizable stars and a longtime coach on The Voice.

A Tribute To Toby Keith

When Toby Keith passed away in February 2024 after a long battle with stomach cancer, Blake Shelton honored him at the ACM Awards. Fighting back tears, Shelton said:

“Toby was a great friend to me and he was a real straight shooter who was larger than life… his very brave ride ended way too soon.”

A Song That Changed Country Music

In the end, Blake Shelton passed on “I Wanna Talk About Me,” but Toby Keith turned it into a timeless hit. The song redefined what a country single could sound like, mixing humor, rap, and twang into a bold anthem.

Shelton missed the chance, but country fans gained a classic — one that perfectly matched Toby Keith’s fearless style.