Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani found themselves in hot water after the American Music Awards.
Viewers felt like they got played by the longtime couple.
And Blake Shelton fired back at critics with one response that left them scrambling for excuses.
American Music Awards viewers cry foul over pre-recorded performances
The American Music Awards made their return to CBS after a two-year break with Jennifer Lopez serving as host.
But the show quickly found itself mired in controversy when behind-the-scenes footage revealed that Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani’s performances weren’t actually live.
During the broadcast, both country superstar Shelton and pop icon Stefani appeared to deliver dynamic live performances for the television audience.
Shelton belted out “Stay Country or Die Tryin'” while Stefani performed a medley that included “Swallow My Tears,” “The Sweet Escape,” and “Hollaback Girl” to celebrate the 20th anniversary of her 2004 album Love. Angel. Music. Baby..
But eagle-eyed audience members inside the venue started filming what was actually happening on stage during the supposedly “live” performances.
The viral videos showed crew members rearranging the set while pre-recorded footage of the performances played on screens.
Viewers who thought they were watching live performances felt duped when the truth came out.
Social media erupted with criticism directed at both performers and the show itself.
Critics accused Shelton and Stefani of misleading fans who tuned in expecting authentic live entertainment.
The controversy overshadowed what should have been a celebration of music’s biggest stars.
Blake Shelton sets the record straight with blunt social media response
Blake Shelton wasn’t about to let the criticism go unanswered.
The former coach on The Voice took to X to defend himself and his wife Gwen Stefani.
“Just now seeing these stories about Gwen and I pretaping our performances for the AMA’s,” Shelton wrote. “We came and performed when the show asked us to… Really nothing else to say.”
He ended his message with a person shrugging emoji that perfectly captured his attitude toward the manufactured outrage.
Just now seeing these stories about Gwen and I pretaping our performances for the AMA’s. We came and performed when the show asked us to.. Really nothing else to say. 🤷♂️
— Blake Shelton (@blakeshelton) May 28, 2025
Shelton’s straightforward response cut through all the noise and drama surrounding the controversy.
The country music star made it clear that he and Stefani simply followed the show’s instructions and weren’t trying to deceive anyone.
His no-nonsense approach resonated with fans who rushed to his defense in the replies.
One supporter pointed out that pre-taping performances is “common practice” for awards shows.
Others praised both singers for delivering quality performances regardless of when they were actually filmed.
Many urged Shelton to ignore the complaints and focus on the positive response from real fans.
The truth behind the pre-recorded controversy
The reality is that pre-recording performances has become standard operating procedure for major awards shows.
Technical difficulties, scheduling conflicts, and production logistics often make live performances impractical.
According to audience members who were actually at the taping, both Shelton and Stefani’s performances were recorded live earlier with real crowds cheering them on.
“This was recorded on Saturday! I was there, Gwen and Blake’s presentation was recorded!” one person explained in the comments of the behind-the-scenes videos.
The show aired on Monday, May 26 – Memorial Day – and was held at the Fontainebleau Las Vegas.
So while the performances weren’t broadcast live, they were still authentic live performances captured on film.
The couple delivered genuine entertainment for the crowds who were actually there to see them perform.
The controversy seems to be much ado about nothing when you understand how modern television production works.
Awards shows adapt to modern television production
The American Music Awards featured other major performances throughout the night from artists like Janet Jackson, Benson Boone, Lainey Wilson, and Reneé Rapp.
Jackson’s return to the stage marked her first performance in seven years and was one of the night’s biggest highlights.
The show’s return after a two-year hiatus was largely considered a success despite the minor controversy over pre-recorded segments.
Television production has evolved significantly in recent years with networks prioritizing seamless broadcasts over strict adherence to live formats.
Pre-recording allows producers to ensure technical quality and prevents embarrassing on-air mishaps that can derail entire shows.
Most viewers at home had no idea the performances were pre-recorded until the behind-the-scenes footage surfaced on social media.
Blake Shelton and Gwen Stefani delivered exactly what the show asked for and what audiences expected to see.
The couple’s professionalism and talent shone through regardless of when the cameras were actually rolling.
Their performances were genuine even if they weren’t broadcast in real-time.
Blake Shelton’s direct response to the criticism showed he won’t be intimidated by manufactured controversies.
The country music legend knows his fans appreciate authentic entertainment whether it’s delivered live or on tape.
