Emily Ann Roberts is going to have an unforgettable several weeks. The rising star kicks off her run with Blake Shelton on his Back to the Honky Tonk Tour on Thursday, February 22, joining Dustin Lynch in serving as Shelton’s opening acts for the tour, which wraps up on March 29.
Roberts’ history with Shelton goes back several years, to The Voice. Roberts was on Shelton’s team for Season 9 of the reality TV talent show in 2015, with Roberts coming in second place that season (with Jordan Smith crowned the winner). Since then, Shelton has remained an advocate for Roberts, unwavering in his support for her and her promising career.
“He is so down to earth,” Roberts told Everything Nash. “He is so supportive and kind. And this just shows his character so much, for him to almost nine years later, still reach out a helping hand to me, and give me this opportunity to go out on the road with him. It just goes to show what an incredible person he is.”
Roberts was preparing for a show celebrating the release of her Can’t Hide Country album when she found out Shelton wanted her to join him on the road.
“I had just finished a rehearsal with my band, for my album release concert happening in East Tennesee,” Roberts recalled. “My manager was there, and we got done with the rehearsal. He said, ‘Well, Blake called this week.’ And I was like, ‘Okay.’ I had no clue what he was going to say. And he said, ‘If you want to, he’d like to have you out on tour with him.’ Just so nonchalant like that. ‘If you want to.’ And I said, ‘If I want to? I’m there. Oh my gosh. When do we head out?’
“I was so thrilled,” she continued. “My whole band was there. We got to experience that together, as a family, which meant the world as well. It’s a moment I’ll cherish forever.”
Before joining Shelton on tour, Roberts also got to perform for one of her other musical heroes, namely Dolly Parton. Roberts was one of the many artists, along with Lainey Wilson, Chris Janson, Carly Pearce and more, who were part of Parton’s inaugural Pet Gala.
“This means the world to me,” Roberts shared. “I grew up in East Tennessee, so I grew up with Dolly my whole life. So I was so thrilled to be a part of this … She has been one of the biggest influences to me. And I actually got to meet her briefly when I was on The Voice, and she came out to give advice to us. I will never forget what she told me, and all the advice she poured into all of us contestants on the show. She’s just wonderful, inside and out.”
Dolly Parton’s Pet Gala is now streaming on Paramount+, live and on-demand for Paramount+ for Showtime subscribers, and on-demand for Paramount+ Essential subscribers.
Find all of Roberts’ music and upcoming shows, including her tour with Shelton, at EmilyAnnRoberts.com.
