This week, Lon Helton traveled to Oklahoma City to co-host Country Countdown USA with Blake Shelton, backstage before the start of his fall tour.

'The Voice' just kicked off its 11th season this week.  Once again, Blake & Adam are coaching.  But this year, they've added two new women: Alicia Keyes and Miley Cyrus.  Blake observed, "It's definitely a game-changer, not just to have two female coaches, but those two in particular.  Literally 'The Voice' is a different show this season, and it's so fun.  You're gonna see us as coaches have some of the best times we've ever had on that show cause we're learning each other's personalities, and having fun at the same time."

Blake will join Luke Bryan at his annual Crash My Playa in January.  Blake told Lon that he made a deal with Luke.  Find out what that deal may entail Sunday night 7-10pm on the Hawk!

Like Luke, Blake turned 40 this past summer.  Lon asked him about his birthday party: "It was a fun night.  The good thing about it for me is that Gwen Stefani sang a song for me.  I asked her to come out and do 'Hella Good.'  She said, 'Oh my God, are you kidding?'  I said, 'It's my birthday!'

Blake also has great stories this week about Dan & Shay, Thomas Rhett, and his mentor on 'The Voice' Bette Midler.

Listen for Blake Shelton Sunday (9/25) on 'Country Countdown USA,' Sunday night 7-10pm on 98.1 The Hawk or listen live at 981TheHawk.com.  Download the FREE Hawk app Radio Pup, available in the Apple iTunes App and Google Play stores or click HERE.

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