Shelton leads – Blake Shelton performed “The Gambler” during the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards in a singalong led from the MGM Grand Garden Arena, honoring the late songwriter Don Schlitz, who died in April at age 73.
The MGM Grand Garden Arena in Las Vegas turned into a chorus on Sunday night, May 17, when Blake Shelton stepped out to lead the crowd in a singalong of “The Gambler.”
Host Shania Twain framed the moment before Shelton began. calling the song “one of the greatest songs of all time.” Shelton was introduced by Twain as “one of our very very best. and such a beautiful man. ” setting the tone for a tribute to Don Schlitz. the songwriter who passed away in April at age 73.
As Shelton sang the country classic about knowing when to hold ’em and when to fold ’em, genre stars watched closely and joined in from their seats. Chris Stapleton and Little Big Town were visible in the crowd, and Twain could be heard belting along as well.
The tribute carried more weight because “The Gambler” was only part of Schlitz’s record.. In addition to writing “The Gambler,” he wrote a total of 16 songs that topped Billboard‘s Hot Country Songs listing.. Those included “When You Say Nothing at All” for Keith Whitley and “Forever and Ever, Amen” for Randy Travis.
“The Gambler” reached No. 1 on the chart in 1978 as recorded by crossover superstar Kenny Rogers. Rogers later took the song to No. 16 on the Billboard Hot 100, and it stayed a signature tune for him until his death in 2020.
Shelton’s appearance came at the 2026 Academy of Country Music Awards. where he holds a long track record with the show.. He is a six-time winner. most recently taking home single of the year for his top 20 Hot 100 hit “God’s Country” in 2019.. His other wins include male vocalist of the year in 2011. and song of the year for “Over You” in 2012. performed (and co-written) by his then-wife Miranda Lambert.
A pattern ties the night’s moments together: Twain introduces Shelton as “one of our very very best. ” Shelton leads “The Gambler” singalong. and the song’s history—Schlitz’s songwriting. its 1978 No.. 1 run for Kenny Rogers. and Rogers’ later prominence—echoes through the tribute while Shelton’s own ACM wins mark his place in that same country lineage.
With the arena singing the lyrics in unison. the Awards offered a public goodbye to Schlitz through one of his best-known works—while also reminding viewers how often “The Gambler” has resurfaced in country music history. from 1978 chart-topping success to a room full of stars singing along decades later.
Blake Shelton Shania Twain The Gambler Don Schlitz ACM Awards 2026 singalong Kenny Rogers Chris Stapleton Little Big Town Miranda Lambert