NASHVILLE, TN – (September 12, 2016) – The last time Blake Shelton played the Chesapeake Energy Arena in Oklahoma City was to help those affected by the devastating tornadoes in 2013 with the "Healing In The Heartland" benefit concert. In all, more than six million dollars was raised for the American Red Cross of Oklahoma.

Shelton returned to Oklahoma City this past weekend for the kick off of his 2016 Fall Tour Presented by Gildan, where he donated $600,000 to the Jimmy Everest Children's Hospital.

"They don’t turn any kids away. You come in there, you have a problem, they don’t turn anybody away, so I thought ‘That’s a place that needs some money," said Shelton from the stage. “Let’s all do the right thing. This is our money, Oklahoma."

More than 22,000 fans came for a hit filled weekend of music that included a surprise appearance by Gwen Stefani who joined Shelton on their duet "Go Ahead And Break My Heart," and opening act RaeLynn. Of the concert, Sandi Davis of the Daily Oklahoman said "This is one of the few shows I'd be happy to see again tonight."

The tour rolls on through the mid-west next weekend with stops in Peoria, IL and a two night stand in St. Paul, MN. Shelton’s 2016 Tour Presented by Gildan® then wraps October 8 after a two night stand at the Barclays Center in Brooklyn. Fans can look forward to hearing songs from Shelton’s new album including the #1 single “Came Here To Forget” and his latest single “She’s Got A Way With Words,” which is Top 10 and climbing. With a total of 22 #1 singles, the show is certain to be filled with many fan favorites. Tickets can be purchased through LiveNation.com and www.ticketmaster.com or by calling (800) 745-3000.

In addition to his tour, Shelton has been hard at work on filming for season 11 of The Voice, which includes this season’s special mentor, Bette Midler. “Bette is such an icon and she's done everything in the entertainment business there is to do and done it at a top level. We were all in awe being around her for the taping and it's such a great experience for my team to have had her as a mentor.” Midler joins Joan Jett, Sammy Hagar, and Charlie Puth as mentors this season which returns on Sept. 19 at 8 p.m. ET on NBC.

Shelton’s exhibit at the Country Music Hall of Fame® and Museum in Nashville, Tennessee, Blake Shelton: Based on a True Story is also now open. The exhibition examines the star’s road to success, from his childhood to his move to Nashville as a teen, and from his multi-platinum recording breakthrough to becoming a national celebrity. A range of artifacts, including stage wear, instruments, song manuscripts, photos and personal items help tell the story of Shelton’s struggles and triumphs.